Imagine a snack that's not just delicious, but also packed with nutrition and ready in just 15 minutes - without even turning on your oven! These No Bake Cacao Energy Balls are about to become your new obsession, offering a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and wholesome ingredients that will keep you powered up throughout the day. Whether you're a busy professional, fitness enthusiast, or just someone craving a guilt-free treat, these energy balls are your ultimate solution to quick, healthy snacking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 12 balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1/4 cup of cacao powder. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
- Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the bowl. This will act as a natural sweetener and help bind the ingredients together. Pour in 1 tsp of vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a sticky, cohesive mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more almond butter or a splash of water to help it come together.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will add a delightful chocolatey flavor to each energy ball.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to scoop out small portions, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. You should be able to make approximately 12 energy balls.
- Place the formed energy balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. This will prevent them from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Once all the balls are formed, refrigerate them for at least 10 minutes to help them firm up. This step is optional but recommended for better texture.
- After chilling, your no-bake cacao energy balls are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- For best texture, ensure your almond butter is at room temperature, which helps ingredients mix more smoothly.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more honey or almond butter, one teaspoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform-sized energy balls for consistent serving.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding chia seeds, hemp hearts, or chopped nuts to the mixture.
- To prevent sticking while rolling, slightly dampen your hands with water before forming the balls.
- For a more indulgent version, roll the finished balls in shredded coconut, additional cacao powder, or crushed nuts.
- These energy balls can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
