No-Bake Energy Bites with Oats, Flax and Dark Chocolate

Energy bites are a handy snack to keep in the fridge for afternoon slumps, after a walk, or a lunchbox treat. You stir everything in one bowl, chill it briefly and roll it into balls.

Rolled oats and ground flaxseed bring whole grains and fiber, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and some protein, so a couple of bites feel more satisfying than a cookie. Just a little honey and a handful of dark chocolate chips add sweetness.

5 flavor combos

Use the base recipe and change the mix-ins:

• Classic chocolate chip: peanut butter and mini dark chocolate chips, as written.
• Almond cherry: almond butter, chopped dried cherries in place of half the chocolate chips.
• Coconut cashew: cashew butter and 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut.
• Pumpkin seed cranberry: sunflower seed butter, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds and 2 tbsp chopped dried cranberries instead of chocolate.
• Cocoa espresso: add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder.

Tips

• If the mixture is too dry to hold together, add more nut butter a teaspoon at a time. If it is too sticky, add a spoonful of oats.
• Chilling the mixture before rolling makes it much easier to shape.
• Lightly damp hands keep the mixture from sticking to your palms.
• Prefer it less sweet? Start with 2 tbsp honey and add more only if the mixture needs help sticking together.

Storage

Keep the bites in a covered container in the fridge and enjoy them over the next several days, or freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Let frozen bites sit for a few minutes before eating.