No bake peanut butter energy bites are a favorite snack I make for my postpartum doula families. This is a great way to get a healthy protein packed, sweet treat snack while feeding your baby.
The good news about this treat is even if you are not feeding your baby, everyone can enjoy them! I like to think of these as my “better for me” Reese’s cup! It has all the peanut butter and chocolate with some extra crunch and goodness.
These energy bites are sometimes referred to as lactation bites because the oatmeal, nuts and seeds can help with milk production.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match the ingredients. Do you like a smoother bite or a crunchier/ textured bite? Oftentimes I make 2 batches. One for my boys to enjoy with the basic recipe and one with all the other stuff added since I love the texture and crunch to it.
No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites or Bars Recipe
- 1 jar (16oz) peanut butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or semi sweet chips
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 cup flax seed
- 4 tablespoons honey
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- For bites: Roll the ingredients into balls and place them in your container.
Additional option: You can place mixture in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes if you plan to roll them into balls. This makes it a little easier to roll once they are chilled. Roll bites after they have been refrigerated.
- For bars: if you are ok with bars, press them into a pan. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Cut them out for easy servings.
- Place bites or bars into a sealed container to refrigerate and enjoy for up to a week.
** If you double the recipe and/or make more than you would eat, you can place them in a ziploc bag and put them in the freezer for 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator when you are ready to eat and enjoy.
Recipe Quick Tips:
**Add additional peanut butter & honey as needed if they are too dry
**Add additional ingredients if they are too smooth and sticky. Or wet your hands to make rolling easier.
Other variations & ingredients to consider:
- Almond butter, sun-butter
- Nutella
- Shredded coconut
- White chocolate chips
- Cranberries
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- Wheat germ
- Cocoa powder
- Protein powder
- Hemp or Chia seeds
- Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice powder
BONUS PLAY TIP
If you have a toddler, preschooler, or older child, this is a great no bake recipe to make together to practice some real life skills!
- It makes for a good lesson in math with measuring out ingredients.
- This is great for scooping and pouring all of the ingredients.
- With multiple children, this is a good time to practice taking turns. You can also practice taking turns with your child too.
- Stirring the peanut butter concoction is good heavy work for your child. You can also have them mix with their hands for a sensory experience.
- You can end your time with the opportunity to clean up together because learning is messy.
- Added bonus: This is a great time for some meaningful connection with your child.
Don’t forget, the way we eat and fuel our body will help us sleep better too. Sometimes in the midst of taking care of our child, we forget to take care of ourselves. This is a great snack to have on hand to get about 200 calories in per bite to keep our energy levels up and going throughout the day. Keep hydrated too!
Bon Appetit & Sweet dreams!
Comment below to let me know what you think and let me know what do you like in your energy bites or bars.
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