These banana bread energy balls make for a deliciously sweet yet healthy snack. They’re filled with nutritious, good-for-you ingredients and are easy to throw together. Just toss everything into a food processor, roll the dough up, and that’s it!
What Are Energy Balls?
You’ve probably heard of bliss balls, protein balls, energy balls, and so on. Essentially, they’re all the same bite sized treats made from energy-boosting ingredients. From healthy fat to fiber to protein, they’ve got it all. Not to mention, they only takes 10 minutes to make.
They come in a wide range of flavors, including oatmeal chocolate chip energy balls, to mango date energy balls, and matcha pistachio bliss balls.
It’s no wonder why everyone loves these energy balls. They make for a quick, portable snack that’s filling, energizing, and all around healthy. Even better, today’s version tastes like your favorite banana bread!
Banana Bread Energy Balls Recipe Video
Want to see how easy this recipe is to make? Just watch the video below!
The Power Of These Small, But Mighty Balls
While there’s endless flavor combinations, energy balls are typically made from a similar foundation. Here’s what you’ll find in them.
Healthy Fats: Energy balls usually have a base of nuts or seeds, which provides plenty of healthy fats. Such ingredients can be almonds, cashews, walnuts, or chia seeds.
Fiber: Aside from nuts and seeds, fresh and dried fruits are thrown into the mix – giving you a boost in fiber! This will help keep you full, promote good gut health, and help create a smooth digestive system.
Carbohydrates: With carbs being a main source of energy, oats or dates are prime ingredients for any balls. They’ll give you that boost in energy, making it great for an afternoon or pre-workout snack.
Protein: Protein comes naturally from the nuts being used such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, and more. Which means this is a great protein snack for vegans or vegetarians.
7 Ingredients You’ll Need
If you’ve made my paleo banana bread before, you’re in for a treat. These little energizing bites tastes just like a slice of banana bread. Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make them.
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: 2 cups
- Ripe Bananas: 1/2 cup mashed banana
- Almonds: 1/2 cup
- Pecans: 1/2 cup
- Maple Syrup: 1/3 cup
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Extract: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
How to Make Banana Bread Energy Balls
These energy balls are as simple as can be. Plus they’re gluten-free, and vegan. So grab your food processor and cookie scoop, and let’s get started.
- Process. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse the mixture for 10 seconds. Then scrape down the sides and blend again until the mixture is fairly smooth, with slight bit of texture.
- Roll. Scoop a ball using a medium cookie scoop and roll it in between your hands. Continue this process until you’ve used up all the dough.
- Enjoy. You can enjoy the balls right away or place them in a storage container.
How To Store Energy Balls
The beauty of these energy balls is that they make for the perfect meal prep snack. All you need to do is store them in an airtight container. But you have the option of leaving them on the counter or storing in the fridge or freezer.
If you’d like to keep the balls a bit softer, leave them out at room temperature. For a more chilled and firmer texture, place them in the fridge. They will last for about 2 weeks either way.
Want to store them longer? Just place them in the freezer, and make sure to separate the balls with parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together.
More Easy, On-The-Go Snacks
Need a snack for the road? Here’s a few ideas that can easily be bagged up and taken with you wherever you go!
- Baked Apple Chips
- Crispy Kale Chips
- Ultimate Seed Crackers + Classic Hummus
- Baked Plantain Chips
- Trail Mix Granola Bars
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mashed banana, from one medium banana
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse the mixture for 10 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then blend again until the mixture is fairly smooth, with a slight bit of texture. The dough will likely start to roll around the food processor when it's blended enough.
- Scoop a ball using a medium cookie scoop and roll it in between your hands. Then place it on a parchment lined plate or baking tray. Continue this process until you've used up all the dough.
- Chill the balls for 30 minutes to firm up, then enjoy!
Lisa's Tips
- If the balls don't hold together, it's likely the texture is too big. Just put it back in the food processor and pulse for a finer texture.
- The balls will be a little soft when you first roll them, but they'll firm up as the oats absorb the maple syrup.
- This is the cookie scoop I use and love.
Nutrition
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I can’t believe that I haven’t tried these yet. Can I add some Flaxseed to them and how much.
I love your Granola it’s my family’s favorite.
These are super yummy and SO easy to make. I will definitely be making these again. Thank you
So glad you enjoyed them, Kelly!
To make the energy balls, I cannot have any kind of nuts. What can I substitute the nuts with?
Could you use sprouted oat instead of old fashion oats?