No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Sometimes when that afternoon slump hits, you just need to be able to grab something small and quick to keep you going, don't you?

And sometimes you just need that little something to get you through your work out.

Or pick you up off the floor after it.

Ha. Not like that's ever happened to me...

Anyway, whether you're slumping or lying on the floor, these little bouncy balls full of energy-boosting nutrients will have you up in no time! And besides that, they taste like almost good enough to be dessert!

The variations you can make are endless, but my version is, of course, chocolate and peanut butter centered. You can use any kind of chocolate you like, but I think dark chocolate is a great choice, not only because it's rich and delicious, but because the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you! I also incorporate my favorite peanut butter, Simply Jif, which has 1/3 less sugar than the regular variety. Less sweet, more PEANUTTY. How can that be wrong?

Experiment and let me know if you find any other fantabulous flavors!!

Note: Keep in mind that while these snack bites are healthy, they are not a low calorie treat. Just one is roughly 80-90 calories, so eat sparingly if you're going for health benefits!

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

(printable version)

inspired by Gimme Some Oven

makes around 2 dozen

1 1/2 cups old fashioned dry oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

3 TB cocoa powder

1/3 cup miniature chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate of your choice!)

1/3 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. 

Let chill in refrigerator about a half and hour.

Shape into balls of desired size (1-1/2 in. balls will yield about 2 doz.). 

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.