No-Bake Sunflower Butter Energy Balls Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade no-bake sunflower butter energy balls in just 15 minutes! This easy baking recipe creates the best protein-packed snacks with wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and chocolate chips. Perfect for meal prep, kids' lunchboxes, or quick post-workout refueling.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

12 energy balls

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">180g rolled oats</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g sunflower seed butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g honey or maple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g ground flaxseed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g mini dark chocolate chips</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp water (if needed)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

🫀 Cholesterol:

🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor or high-powered blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Airtight container for storage</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place 120g of the rolled oats in your food processor and pulse until they're broken down to a coarse flour consistency. This creates the perfect binding texture for your energy balls while maintaining some chewiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Transfer the processed oats to a large mixing bowl and add the remaining 60g whole rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and salt. Stir to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the sunflower seed butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or your hands (clean hands work best!), mix everything together until fully incorporated. The warmth from your hands helps soften the sunflower butter, making it easier to blend with the other ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Check the consistency of your mixture – it should hold together when pressed between your fingers but not be overly sticky. If it seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time. If it's too wet, add a few more oats. The consistency is crucial for forming perfect balls that won't fall apart.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. The chips should be dispersed without melting, so make sure your mixture isn't warm from excessive handling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll between your palms to form a compact ball. The pressure from your hands activates the natural oils in the sunflower butter, helping the balls stay together. Continue until all the mixture is used, placing the formed balls on a plate or baking sheet.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This cooling period allows the oats to absorb moisture and the balls to set properly, creating the perfect chewy texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Once chilled, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, place them on a tray with space between each ball until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag to prevent sticking together.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in No-Bake Sunflower Butter Energy Balls?

These energy balls combine rolled oats, sunflower seed butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, mini dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract, salt, and a touch of water if needed for consistency. All ingredients work together to create nutritious, protein-packed snacks.

How to cook No-Bake Sunflower Butter Energy Balls at home?

Learn how to cook No-Bake Sunflower Butter Energy Balls by simply mixing processed and whole oats with ground flaxseed, combining with sunflower butter, honey, and vanilla, then folding in chocolate chips and rolling into balls. No baking required—just chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until firm for the perfect texture.

Can I substitute the sunflower butter in energy balls with other nut butters?

Absolutely! While sunflower butter makes these energy balls nut-allergy friendly, you can substitute with almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for different flavour profiles. Each alternative will slightly change the taste but maintain similar binding properties and protein content.

How long do homemade protein balls last and what's the best way to store them?

Homemade protein balls stay fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Freeze individually on a tray first before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent them sticking together.

What mix-ins can I add to energy balls to boost their nutritional value?

Enhance your energy balls with nutritional mix-ins like chia seeds, hemp hearts, protein powder, dried fruits (cranberries, chopped apricots, raisins), chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or shredded coconut. These additions can increase protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients while adding texture variety.

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