Coconut Almond Energy Clusters
Quick, no-bake Coconut Almond Energy Balls blending oats, peanut butter, almonds, and chocolate chips into a nutritious, protein-packed snack that's easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups (1 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup)
- Measuring Spoons (1 tsp, 1/2 tsp)
- Tablespoon or Small Scoop
- Refrigerator (for chilling)
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup chopped roasted almonds
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips mini or regular size
Instructions
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips. Stir these dry ingredients together gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Next, incorporate the creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt into the bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend everything until it forms a sticky, uniform dough. If the mixture feels too loose, sprinkle in a little extra oats or coconut to thicken it.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Shape the Energy Balls: After chilling, remove the bowl from the fridge. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion between your palms to form compact, bite-sized balls.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the energy balls immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re a great grab-and-go snack anytime you need a quick energy boost.
Notes
Energy balls are wonderfully versatile and easy to customize. For best results, use traditional creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy, which blends smoothly and helps bind the ingredients well. Natural peanut butters can be used but may make the dough slightly less cohesive. If you or your guests have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic substitute that maintains both taste and texture. These bites keep well in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage, making them ideal for meal prep and busy schedules.
