Banana Chocolate Chip Energy Balls

Last Sunday afternoon, I found myself staring at three speckled bananas on the counter that had seen better days. Instead of my usual banana bread routine, I decided to try something I could grab between meetings during the week. The whole process took less time than it takes to scroll through social media, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like banana bread meets cookie dough in the best possible way.

My teenage daughter walked in while I was rolling the mixture into balls and immediately stole two off the parchment. Now she asks me to make a batch every Sunday, and honestly, I love having something ready when the 3pm hunger hits. These little energy bombs have become our go-to snack for everything from road trips to studying.

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed: The specklier the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your balls will be
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture, but quick oats work in a pinch
• 1/2 cup almond butter: Creamy almond butter binds everything together perfectly, though peanut butter works just as well
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Just enough to hold the mixture together and add a touch of sweetness
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute evenly throughout every bite
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the nutrition significantly
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes everything taste homemade
• Pinch of sea salt: enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness

Instructions

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Mash your banana:

Peel the banana and mash it in a large bowl until no large lumps remain

Combine the wet ingredients:

Add the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla, stirring until completely incorporated

Add the dry mix-ins:

Pour in the oats, ground flaxseed, and salt, then fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed

Chill the mixture:

Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes so the mixture becomes easier to roll into balls

Roll into balls:

Scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms into 1-inch balls, placing them on a parchment-lined tray

Store properly:

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week

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During finals week last semester, I made a double batch and kept them in the freezer. My roommate and I would grab two each morning, and they thawed perfectly by our first class. Something about having homemade snacks ready made those stressful weeks feel more manageable.

Making Them Your Own

Once you have the basic ratio down, these energy balls are incredibly forgiving. I have made countless variations based on what I had in the pantry, and almost every experiment has been delicious. The formula is really just banana plus oats plus nut butter plus whatever else sounds good.

Texture Tips

The moisture content of your banana will affect the final texture, so you may need to adjust slightly. Some days I add an extra tablespoon of oats if the banana was especially large. Trust your hands, they will tell you if the mixture needs to be wetter or drier.

Serving Suggestions

These work for breakfast alongside coffee, as a pre-workout snack, or even as a healthier dessert. I have packed them for hiking trips, road trips, and long flights. The portability makes them perfect for anytime you need sustained energy.

• Pair with a piece of fresh fruit for a more substantial snack
• Crumble one over yogurt parfait for extra crunch
• Keep a stash in your desk drawer for emergency hunger

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Having a batch of these in the fridge feels like having a secret weapon against the vending machine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?

Yes, peanut butter works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that still provides creamy texture and protein.

→ Do these need to be refrigerated?

Yes, storing in the refrigerator keeps them firm and fresh for up to one week. The chilling time also helps the mixture hold together better when rolling.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely. Swap honey for maple syrup and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

→ Why is my mixture too sticky or dry?

If too sticky, add more oats 1 tablespoon at a time. If too dry, add a small amount of nut butter or syrup. The banana's ripeness affects moisture—riper bananas create a wetter mixture.

→ Can I freeze these energy balls?

Yes, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.

→ What add-ins work well in this base?

Chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, chia seeds, shredded coconut, or protein powder all complement the banana-chocolate flavor profile beautifully.