Q1: Can I substitute other nut butters for the peanut butter, and will it affect the texture?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter called for in Step 2. The texture should remain similar as long as you use a natural, creamy nut or seed butter with a similar consistency to peanut butter. If your substitute is particularly runny or dry, you may need to adjust slightly by adding an extra tablespoon of oats (if too wet) or a teaspoon more honey (if too dry). The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when rolled in Step 6, so test the consistency after the 30-minute chill time in Step 4 before proceeding.

Q2: What if I don't have a small cookie scoop as listed in the equipment? How can I portion the energy balls evenly?

If you don't have a small cookie scoop, you can easily use a regular tablespoon from your measuring spoons set to portion out the mixture as instructed in Step 5. Simply pack the tablespoon measure firmly with the chilled mixture and level it off for consistent sizing. Alternatively, you can divide the total mixture into roughly 18-20 equal portions by eye on your parchment-lined baking sheet, then roll each portion into balls. The key is applying gentle but firm pressure when rolling between your palms in Step 6 to ensure they hold together well, regardless of how you portioned them.

Q3: How can I tell if my energy balls are properly chilled and ready to eat after Step 8?

After the final 30-minute refrigeration in Step 8, your energy balls should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape without falling apart or feeling sticky on the surface. When you pick one up, it should maintain its round shape rather than squishing or losing form. If they still feel too soft or sticky after 30 minutes, give them an additional 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. The chocolate chips should also be firm rather than melty, and the overall texture should be chewy but cohesive, making them easy to eat without crumbling.

Q4: Are there any substitutions I can make for the honey to keep these vegan or reduce the sugar content?

Yes, maple syrup works as a direct 1:1 substitute for the honey in Step 2 and will keep the recipe vegan while maintaining the necessary binding properties. For a lower sugar option, you can try using date paste (made by blending pitted dates with a little water) in the same quantity, though you may need to add 1-2 tablespoons more to achieve the sticky consistency needed for rolling in Step 6. Brown rice syrup or agave nectar also work well as alternatives. Keep in mind that the sweetener is crucial for binding the mixture together, so avoid reducing the total amount below 1/3 cup or your energy balls may not hold their shape during Step 6.

Gluten-Free Energy Balls

These no-bake gluten-free energy balls are the ultimate grab-and-go snack for busy lifestyles. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and mix-ins like chocolate chips and dried fruit, they provide a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars to keep you energized throughout your day. The beauty of these energy balls lies in their simplicity—no oven required, just mix, roll, and refrigerate.

Energy balls have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to processed snacks and granola bars. They originated from the health food movement and have roots in various cultures that have long made similar bite-sized treats. What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and customization options. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs while maintaining the gluten-free integrity.

The texture is perfectly chewy with a slight crunch from the oats, while the natural sweetness from honey and dates creates a satisfying treat that doesn't taste like a compromise. These energy balls are ideal for pre-workout fuel, afternoon pick-me-ups, lunchbox additions, or healthy dessert alternatives. They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them perfect for meal prep.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by necessity or choice, these energy balls prove that nutritious snacking can be both delicious and convenient. They're naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

15 minutes

None servings

110 calories

Fat 5.50g

Carbs 13.00g

Protein 3.00g

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups	certified gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup	natural peanut butter or almond butter
1/3 cup	honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup	ground flaxseed
1/3 cup	mini chocolate chips
1 tsp	vanilla extract
2 tbsp	chia seeds
1/4 cup	shredded coconut, unsweetened (optional)
1/4 cup	dried cranberries or raisins, chopped (optional)
1/4 tsp	salt

Equipment

Parchment paper

measuring spoons

measuring cups

wooden spoon or spatula

large mixing bowl

small cookie scoop

airtight container

plastic wrap or bowl lid

baking sheet or plate

80/20 Diet

With over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these energy balls perfectly embody the 80/20 diet principle of prioritizing nutritious, minimally processed ingredients.

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, these energy balls feature whole, minimally processed ingredients like oats, nut butter, honey, and seeds. Each component is recognizable in its natural form, with no artificial additives or refined sugars.

Flexitarian Diet

These energy balls are plant-based friendly, using nuts, seeds, and oats as the primary protein and nutrient sources. They can easily be customized to suit flexitarian dietary preferences by adjusting mix-ins and maintaining a whole food focus.

Gluten-Free Diet

These energy balls are 100% gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats, making them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, and the recipe specifically calls for certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure zero cross-contamination.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and salt. Stir together to distribute evenly.

1 min

Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes sticky.

2 min

Fold in the mini chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like shredded coconut or dried cranberries. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

1 min

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling time makes the mixture easier to handle and shape.

30 min

Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time.

1 min

Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls about 1 inch in diameter. Apply gentle pressure to ensure they hold together well.

8 min

Place the finished energy balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Continue until all the mixture has been rolled into balls.

2 min

Place the finished energy balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Gluten-Free Energy Balls

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

80/20 Diet

Clean Eating

Flexitarian Diet

Gluten-Free Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute other nut butters for the peanut butter, and will it affect the texture?

Q2: What if I don't have a small cookie scoop as listed in the equipment? How can I portion the energy balls evenly?

Q3: How can I tell if my energy balls are properly chilled and ready to eat after Step 8?

Q4: Are there any substitutions I can make for the honey to keep these vegan or reduce the sugar content?