Aunt Vicky’s Super Seed Energy Balls

These seed and peanut butter energy balls are the kind of snack you can’t eat just one of (trust me, I’ve tried!). What makes our recipe special is how it combines peanut butter, honey, and loads of seeds, oats, and coconut into one nutrient-dense bite that actually tastes amazing instead of tasting like you’re eating health food. They have a satisfying crunch from the seeds, they’re no-bake so they come together quickly, and they stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

This is my aunt Vicky’s recipe, and I always love when she brings these up north or to family get togethers! I’m often the first person sneaking extras when nobody’s looking (or in front of everyone… I have no shame), and her hiking friends and camping friends always ask if she’s bringing these along on adventures, which tells you everything you need to know about how good these are.

Vicky has a specialty in the kitchen when it comes to creating delicious snacks and baked goods that are loaded with cholesterol-lowering foods. High cholesterol runs in our family, and she’s really embraced finding creative ways to work heart-healthy ingredients like oatmeal, flaxseed, chia seeds, whole grains, and nuts and seeds into foods that satisfy our family’s sweet tooth. If you’re interested in learning more about cholesterol lowering foods, this article from the Mayo Clinic, this article from the American Heart Association, and this article from Brown University Health System are all great places to start.

My aunt adapted this recipe from this seed cycling energy bites recipe because she figured, why not use all the seeds instead of mixing-and-matching them? It’s very on brand for her to take an already good-for-you recipe and making it even better for healthy snacking!

If you’re looking for an energy bite that incorporates protein powder, try our protein peanut butter balls or our birthday cake energy balls!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Energy Balls Recipe

• Creamy or natural peanut butter. The base that holds everything together while adding protein and richness. I use creamy peanut butter (it’s what we have on hand / what my kiddo will eat), but my aunt always uses natural peanut butter for hers.
• Honey. A natural sweetener that keeps these energy balls moist and tender while helping to bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract. Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the nutty and seedy flavors.
• Shredded coconut. Adds texture, subtle sweetness, and contributes to the nutrient profile of these snacks. I use sweetened shredded coconut (that’s the only kind I keep in my pantry), but you can definitely try an unsweetened variety if you’d prefer less sugar or a less sweet snack.
• Rolled oats (aka old-fashioned oats). Provides structure, fiber, and a hearty element that makes these satisfying.
• Ground flax. A cholesterol-lowering superfood that adds nutrition and nuttiness without changing the texture.
• Pepitas. These pumpkin seeds provide that signature crunch and are loaded with magnesium and protein. My aunt suggests grabbing a sprouted version if it’s available (I found sprouted at Costco!).
• Sunflower seeds. Add more crunch, nutrition, and a slightly different flavor note than the pepitas.
• Sesame seeds. Contribute a subtle nuttiness and additional fiber to the mix.
• Chia seeds. Tiny but mighty seeds packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3s that add nutrition without being noticeable.
• Mini chocolate chips. A little touch of chocolate adds indulgence and keeps these from tasting overly “healthy”.

Complete ingredient measurements and recipe details can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Helpful Equipment

You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a microwave for warming the peanut butter and honey, and a small cookie scoop for portioning out the energy balls (this makes them uniform and easy to portion). Wax paper for layering is helpful for storage and keeping them from sticking together!

How to Make Chia Seeds Energy Balls

Warm the peanut butter and honey. Add the peanut butter and honey to a large mixing bowl and microwave for 15 seconds to soften and combine more easily. Then add the vanilla and stir until well combined.

Add the coconut, oats, all of the seeds, and the ground flax, stirring until everything is combined. I find pressing the mixture down with the back of my rubber scraper (or wooden spoon) helpful in getting the peanut butter mixture to spread out and cover the seeds.

Gently fold in the chocolate. Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips, making sure they’re distributed throughout the mixture without breaking them up too much.

Scoop and portion. Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the energy balls, pressing the dough firmly into the scoop so it holds its shape. Transfer each one to a wax-paper lined cookie sheet or storage container, layering wax paper between layers so they don’t stick together. Then transfer to the fridge to set and store. They’re ready to eat!

Seed, PB, and Oat Energy Balls Variation Ideas

• Add hemp seeds. Mix in up to 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds into your energy bite mixture for extra nutrition and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Try different nut butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can all work as great substitutes for the peanut butter if you prefer (or if you’re serving these to someone who cannot have peanuts).
• Substitute maple syrup in as the sweetener instead of honey if that’s what you have on hand.
• Swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit. Chop up some dried cranberries or raisins to use as mix-ins in place of the chocolate chips for a fruity, sweet variation.
• Add a dash of cinnamon. It’s a nice compliment to the other flavors in this recipe, and adds a different little twist to the flavor profile.

How to Store Seed Energy Balls

Store these energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to eat them at room temperature, they’re fine for a few hours, but they hold their shape best when kept cold.

You can also freeze these if you want to make them ahead for later! Place the cooled energy balls in a freezer-safe container or labeled zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or eat them straight from the freezer if you like them firmer and colder.

Peanut Butter Energy Balls FAQs