Easy Peanut Butter Banana Energy Bites for Lunch
These no-bake peanut butter banana energy bites are the perfect healthy snack for school lunches. Made with simple pantry ingredients like oats, ripe banana, and peanut butter, they come together in under 15 minutes and are naturally sweetened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16-18 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 large ripe banana (about 120g mashed)
- ½ cup (130g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon (7g) ground flaxseed
- Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
- Mash the banana: Peel the ripe banana and place it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash until smooth with just a few small lumps, about 30 seconds.
- Add the peanut butter and sweetener: Spoon in the peanut butter and drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Stir until well combined and creamy. If peanut butter is stiff, microwave for 10 seconds to soften.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and a pinch of salt if using. Stir until the oats are evenly distributed and the mixture looks like a thick dough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This makes rolling easier.
- Roll into bites: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll between your palms to form a ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should get about 16-18 bites.
- Chill again (optional): For firmer bites, refrigerate for another 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Store or serve: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week.
Notes
For nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too crumbly, add a teaspoon of peanut butter or splash of milk. If too wet, add a tablespoon of oats. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture is sticky when rolling. These freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy bite
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: energy bites, peanut butter banana, no-bake snacks, school lunch ideas, healthy snacks for kids, gluten-free snacks, vegan energy bites