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Lunchbox and snacks

Peanut Butter, Oat and Dark Chocolate Energy Balls

Chewy no-bake bites of toasted oats, creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate, sweetened with honey and warmed with a whisper of cinnamon.

20 min6 servingsEasyLunchbox and snacks

Ingredients

  • 1,5 cup rolled oats
  • 0,75 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0,33 cup liquid honey
  • 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 0,5 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0,5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0,25 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the rolled oats for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until they smell nutty and turn a shade darker.

  2. 2

    Transfer the oats to a large bowl and let them cool for 5 minutes so they don't melt the chocolate later.

  3. 3

    In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the peanut butter and honey together, whisking until glossy and pourable, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract, cinnamon and a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

  5. 5

    Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the toasted oats and fold with a spatula until every oat is coated.

  6. 6

    Add the ground flaxseed and dark chocolate chips, folding gently so the chips stay intact rather than melting into streaks.

  7. 7

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes, until firm enough to hold its shape when squeezed.

  8. 8

    Using a tablespoon measure, portion the dough and roll between damp palms into 1-inch balls, arranging them on a parchment-lined tray.

  9. 9

    Chill for another 15 minutes, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Chef's tip

Toasting the oats before mixing is the game-changer — it unlocks a deep, nutty flavour and keeps the finished balls from tasting raw or pasty.

Suggested pairing

Enjoy two balls alongside a cold glass of oat milk or a mug of hot black coffee for an afternoon energy lift.

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