These no-bake Chocolate Oat Balls are a quick chocolatey snack made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds. They're easy to prepare and perfect for grab-and-go energy snacks or a healthier dessert! (Vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free.)
These no-bake Chocolate Oat Balls are a fun way to enjoy a sweet treat while still packing in nourishing ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds. I find they're the perfect balance of indulgent yet wholesome!
Best of all, they're super quick and easy to make. Everything comes together in about 20 minutes with minimal prep (and no oven required)!
I like to keep them on hand for busy days, grab-and-go energizing snacks, or a healthier dessert. They're naturally energizing without feeling overly heavy.
Ingredients for Chocolate Oat Balls
For this recipe, you'll heat and stir together in a small pan on the stove:
- Peanut butter: I use creamy and natural peanut butter.
- Pure maple syrup: This is a great natural sweetener with delicious flavor!
- Vegan chocolate chips: I use dairy-free dark chocolate chips, but use your own favorite.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Be sure to use gluten-free if needed.
- Walnuts: Or swap in pecans, almonds, or even cashews. We'll crush or chop these into small pieces so they incorporate well into the mixture. (Walnuts, pecans, and cashews are softer nuts so they're much easier to chop than almonds.)
- Ground flaxseed: This is also called flax meal.
- Sunflower seeds
- Pure vanilla extract
- Salt: Just a little helps bring out all the flavors.
Customizing
Variations: Add a splash more vanilla extract if you wish, or a tiny bit of almond extract for sweeter flavor. (Start small because it can be overpowering.) You can also stir in about a tablespoon of chia seeds or coconut flakes.
Double chocolate: You could even add 1-2 Tbsp. cocoa powder to the mixture for an extra-bold chocolate taste. (I haven't tested this however!)
For peanut-free: Substitute the peanut butter equally with almond butter or other nut butter or seed butter. I haven't tested this, but it should work. Just be aware it will change the flavor a bit.
Large batch tip: If making larger batches (doubling or tripling the recipe) I put the rolled balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about a half hour to set & harden. Then transfer them to a container in the fridge for storage. (This helps prevent them from sticking together.)
Storing
Store the chocolate balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they keep for about 5-7 days. (But they never seem to last that long!) The texture is soft when preparing, but they will set and harden as they cool.
For more inspiration, also browse all vegan dessert recipes.
Chocolate Oat Balls (Easy!)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts*
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy, natural)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (GF if desired)
- 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
- 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Chop or crush the walnuts into tiny pieces. Set aside.
- In a small pan over medium-low to medium heat, add the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir and heat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is melted and fully combined.
- Then add all of the remaining ingredients. Stir with spatula for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate thoroughly melts and everything is combined.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture sit in the pan for about 10 minutes to cool.
- When it cools enough to touch, mold into balls. I use a 2-Tbsp. cookie scoop which yields ten 1.5-inch balls. (But feel free to make them smaller, larger, or a different shape if you wish.)
- Enjoy them immediately while they're soft, or chill them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few hours first. (They'll harden and become firm as they chill and set.) I find they keep well in the fridge for about 5-7 days.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.
If you're enjoying this Chocolate Oat Balls recipe, also check out:
- Vegan Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
- Healthy Vegan Chocolate Milkshake
- Vegan Cookie Dough Bites
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Tami says
Just made these; used almond butter, and substituted chia seeds and shredded raw coconut, and added a little vanilla (1 tsp?). I doubled the recipe and rolled them into 32 balls! These are delicious, and will be a staple at our house!
Kaitlin says
Fantastic adaptions, Tami! Thrilled to hear they'll be a staple. Hope you continue to enjoy them and thanks so much for sharing your helpful feedback!
Donna says
I thought your Chocolate Oat Balls would be a 5-star recipe but turns out they are a "6" in my kitchen! Tasty treat!!!
Kaitlin says
Haha, that's awesome to hear, Donna! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for your kind feedback!
Donna says
Love them... I do!!! Have made them several times. Even eating only one satisfies me, and that is important! GREAT recipe! I hope others try them!!!
Anonymous says
Do you think you can add protein powder to this recipe?
Kaitlin says
Great idea! I think that would work - let me know if you give it a try!
Leah says
We have made these several times and my girls adore them. I admit, I love them too.
Kaitlin says
Wonderful to hear you and your girls enjoy them, Leah! Thanks for sharing!