The perfect healthy no bake snack or a post-dinner treat, these frozen chocolate-coated peanut butter oatmeal balls are crazy delish (and packed with nutrition!). I love eating them straight outta the freezer, but they’re just as tasty brought up to room temp in the fridge. Recipe yields 20 balls.
This recipe is a gift. For your face. And your energy. And your wallet!
Say hello to peanut buttery bliss balls made with basic stuff like oats, flax, and honey with a kiss of salted chocolate. Similar to my PB oatmeal balls with flax and cinnamon, but today we're going chocolate! Cuz duh, right?
We all need easier healthy snack recipes stat. I set out to make a snack sitch that a) doubles as dessert, b) doesn't require a blender/food processor, c) uses every-day ingredients and d) is not intimidating.
And lookie here, we nailed it! Because healthy shouldn't be hard.
5-Star ★★★★★ Reader Reviews
"Nothing but rave review for these 'oat balls' as they are lovingly referred to in our house. Been making them for a couple years now, my girls love them, we love them, and I frequently gift them to friends who all go wild for them. Easy, sweet dessert treat, and delicious! Thank you!" -Ally
"I make these bites AT LEAST twice a month! They are the perfect snack or smoothie accompaniment! They're just as tasty not chocolate covered too and I have made them with peanut butter, almond butter and tahini, all yield great, delicious results!" -Maclean
"These are ALWAYS in my freezer. Sometimes I follow the recipe but most of the time I sub creamy almond butter for pb & chocolate chips for the chocolate coating. eat them right out of the freezer & they’re like cookie dough. So good." -Lauren
"I make these monthly (at least!) My husband and I are obsessed! They are great for a small after meal treat but also if you need some energy or a tasty way to hold you over until your next meal. Like a really yummy bite sized granola bar, but better, and healthier!" -Emily
Why I love these (and you will too)
- They're satisfying! Granola bars that are just oats never fill me up. Enter fats! Pssst: did you know peanuts are also the highest protein nut? One bite conquers your chocolate craving thanks to satiating fats, protein and fiber in pb, flax, and oats.
- They're easy. Just like my peanut butter chia balls, these come together in no time with no fancy ingredient list and no blender. When I say easy, I mean it!
- Kids love them. My toddler chows down on these and I love knowing he's getting some nutrition!
- They're customizable. Use your favorite nut or seed butter. Add coconut or chopped nuts or dried cherries. Add a scoop of collagen peptides (you may need a splash of milk, too).
Let's make 'em!
Mis oats, flax, and salt.
Pour in your pb, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Mix like you mean it.
Form into 20 balls and freeze.
What I learned from recipe testing
- Maple syrup and honey both work for the liquid sweetener, but they're far easier to roll with honey since it's sticky. You definitely want a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands often for foolproof balling.
- Yes, the flax is a must. It helps them stick together alongside the sticky sweetener.
- You can make the coating with regular semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini ones, or a dark chocolate bar. To cover the entire ball, you can use ¾ cup.
- A bit of peanut butter in the coating makes it less crunchy to bite into. If you like more of a crunch, you can use only coconut oil.
- A sprinkle of flaky salt really takes these over the top, no shock there.
If you want bites for all the people, you know the drill. Use certified gluten free oats for gluten free bites and use dairy free chocolate to make them vegan.
These stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. So get ballin'!
Print
Frozen Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter Oat Balls
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The perfect healthy no bake snack or a post-dinner treat, these frozen chocolate-coated peanut butter oatmeal balls are crazy delish (and packed with nutrition!). I love eating them straight outta the freezer, but they’re just as tasty brought up to room temp in the fridge. They taste like cookie dough!
Ingredients
For the bites:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ tsp sea salt, plus flaky salt for topping
- ½ cup natural peanut butter* (try tahini for nut-free)
- ⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate coating:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp peanut butter
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together oats, flax, and salt with a wooden spoon. Add peanut butter, honey, and vanilla and stir until combined.
- Have a bowl of water nearby to wet hands and then pack dough into small balls. (You'll need to use more water with the maple syrup version since it's less sticky). Place 20 balls on a cookie sheet and freeze while you melt the chocolate.
- Place chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peanut butter in a small bowl. Melt in 20 second increments, stirring each time, until melted.
- Remove bites from freezer and dip each ball in chocolate. Place back on sheet pan and sprinkle with salt. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until hardened. Once they're set, bites can be transferred to a container and stored in the refrigerator (but I like them frozen best!).
Notes
This recipe was originally posted on 1/18/2018. The original recipe calls for ¾ cup chocolate chips and 1 ½ tsp coconut oil in the coating and to coat completely the bites in chocolate. Both versions are great!
Kara McMickle says
These lasted a day in my house - SO amazing!! I know these are going to be a staple from here on out.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ahhhh yes I love to hear it! Thank you so much, Kara! XO
Jenny Papineau says
I finally made these and they are amazing! Quick to make and they were devoured within a few days, so I just made another batch.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Love this so much, thanks for letting me know Jenny!
Jamie says
These were awesome. Straight out of the freezer is the way to go. I wouldn’t have thought to do so and it was the BEST.
Thank you for sharing such a great healthy treat.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Yayyyy! Even in these arctic temps some treats are just best this way 🙂
laurie c says
I thought this recipe was terrible! Oats mixture with maple syrup didnt bind at all, chocolate coating wasnt nearly enough to cover the batch, and didnt even taste very good after all the trouble and clean up. Oh well.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Sorry you didn't enjoy this one. Did you use wet hands to form balls? The honey version sticks better for sure but I make the maple ones all the time. The chocolate coating is for dipping not fully coating. If you're looking to fully coat them, you'd need more chocolate.
laurie c says
I appreciate the quick reply! But could you post Laurie C or just Laurie instead of my full name? Thank you!
Joy Fears says
These are fantastic! Easy to make and even easier to eat. Thanks for the recipe, Alexis!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
I’m so happy they’re a hit, thanks Joy!
Kay says
These are so easy and so good! I made them for my husband, but they all were gobbled up by my kids who are *the* pickiest eaters ever. I didn’t use flax seeds and they still turned out great. I will definitely be making these on repeat…actually I made them two days in a row because the first batch didn’t make it through the day!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Best comment ever! Did you just omit the flax or use more oats? I’m thrilled to know they worked that way! Thanks so much, Kay 🙂
Kori says
These look and sound so fun! I hope Ansley will love them. I'lll try to make them this coming weekend. Thank you!
Whitney Long says
Thank you for reminding me of these. I made your cookie dough protein bars this week! Having premade snack options on hand is saving me transitioning back to work! And saves money vs buying the premade ones!
Soozie says
These are so delicious! Great combination oatmeal, peanut butter at chocolate! A big hit with my husband & daughter. The only suggestion I have: double the chocolate chip and coconut oil to fully immerse each bite in the dark chocolaty goodness!
Alexis Joseph says
Amazing, thanks so much Soozie! I'm glad your husband and daughter approved 🙂
Whitney says
If I have a sweetened peanut butter should I just omit the maple syrup? Thanks!
Alexis Joseph says
The maple syrup adds liquid and stickiness so they form together--I'd still use the maple syrup! If they're too sweet, you can use some almond milk in place of the maple next time. Enjoy!