5-Minute One Bowl Cranberry Peanut Energy Balls
Where Would You Eat Energy Balls?
Granola Bar, Meet Energy Ball
Packaged granola bars used to be my go-to snack. Convenient and a little healthier than something else I could grab on the go. That is until I was introduced to energy balls. Yes, I'll admit, it was Pinterest that opened my mind up to this new snack delicacy, but it was through combining my favorite ingredients in differing amounts that I created this recipe. It is simple, but oh so yummy. Instead of refined sugars or corn syrup, it uses honey as its sweetener. The natural peanut butter adds some fat, but it also aids in adding some energy as well.
This is a recipe that can easily be modified to your liking by adding maple syrup, raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, or perhaps even some flax for an added health benefit. The basic idea is that like a granola bar, these too are easy to grab for a snack, or breakfast, on the go. Perfect for road trips and after working out at the gym!
Just 6 Ingredients
What's The Difference Between Types of Oatmeal?
The Goodness of Oats
Oats are a great carbohydrate! They contain protein, are low in sugar, and high in fiber, which is helpful for lowering bad cholesterol. Plus, they are yummy! In these energy balls, Old Fashioned Oats are the best option as they are eaten raw in this recipe. Oat Groats and Steel-Cut Oats would be too crunchy for this. Instant oats could be used, but the flavor of the Old Fashioned "Rolled" oats is ideal.
First, Zap the Honey and PB
This is a one-bowl recipe. Choose a microwave safe bowl and add 3 Tablespoons of honey and 2/3 cup natural peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds. Then, stir the mixture with a spoon.
Next, Add Remaining Ingredients
After the honey mixture is stirred, add all the remaining ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 1/2 cups oats, 1/4 cup wheat germ, and 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Use a sturdy spoon to mix everything all together.
Last, Ready To Make Balls
This Will Probably Happen...
When the mixture looks combined, it will start to stick together. Using your hands, grab a ping pong ball sized amount and squeeze it together to form a ball. This gets a little messy! It is similar to playing with play dough, and would be a great invitation to play with food for kiddos. You should be able to make at least 12 up to 15 balls.
If you find the balls are not sticking well together, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. Conversely, if they are too sticky add a bit more oats.
Keep in Refrigerator
After 5 minutes, one dirty bowl, and one sticky hand, you are done! There are usually a few crumbs left over, which I gladly eat with a spoon. Keep the rest in the refrigerator until you need a healthy snack. I think they taste better refrigerated, but it also helps keep them firm.
Cranberry Peanut Energy Balls
Cook Time
Optional Additional Add-Ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
- Coconut
- Maple syrup
- Ground flax
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Natural Peanut Butter
- 3 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 cup Wheat Germ
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 ball (1/12 of recipe) | |
| Calories | 179 |
| Calories from Fat | 72 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 8 g | 12% |
| Carbohydrates 20 g | 7% |
| Sugar 10 g | |
| Protein 5 g | 10% |
| Sodium 42 mg | 2% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds. Mix.
- Add remaining ingredients into the honey mixture, mix together.
- Using your hands, squeeze the ingredients together to make 12-15 balls. Your hands will get a little dirty, but it easily washes off. If you find the balls are not sticking well together, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. Conversely, if they are too sticky add a bit more oats. Keep in refrigerator until ready to eat.
About the Author
Like This Recipe?
Check out our other nutritious snack recipes:
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- Stovetop Granola: Traditional granola takes half an hour in the oven. Not anymore! These 7 delicious stovetop granola recipes take just 15 minutes and won't heat up your home.
- Thin Wheat Crackers: This simple recipe uses five ingredients including wheat germ. Make crispy, healthy homemade crackers that both kids and adults will enjoy
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