Oatmeal, Cranberry & Banana Energy Balls
Not a big morning eater but need to start? Pop in a few of these low-fat, high-fiber and super healthy oatmeal, cranberry and banana energy balls for an easy on the go breakfast!
I would call these bites but I find the word “balls” to be more amusing. Yes, I’m a 27 year old woman and no, I don’t think the word balls will ever NOT be funny or make me think of..well..you know. I’m a little late to the energy BALLS (snicker snicker) train but boy am I glad I hopped on (I’m on fire with these puns today). These healthy little bite-size balls of joy are the perfect after workout snack or mid-morning treat. Or in my case the perfect pick me up after I’ve crashed from too many cups of coffee around 11am.
I’m not usually a morning eater but lately I can’t seem to get enough breakkie. I wake up, funnel a few cups of coffee and immediately want to eat everything in my sight. I can’t though since I’m perpetually on a diet. And really, who can actually eat oatmeal everyday without turning homicidal? So I’m constantly trying to think of new, healthy recipes that will fill me up and not make me stabby or sad. And that, my friends, is when the balls come in.
Please, just try reading that without laughing. I DARE YOU. Now what I love about these energy bites is how versatile they are. I’ve seen recipes for pumpkin, pistachio and chocolate, each one looking more delicious than the last. So I decided to whip up my own variety of these popular little nuggets, with some of my favorite ingredients, like dried cranberries, bananas and peanut butter.
If you’re in need of a healthy pick me up that’s also portable, make these delicious energy balls. Just be warned, they are seriously addictive!
Oatmeal, Cranberry & Banana Energy Balls
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!
Yields about 20 balls. Recipe inspired byCookie Monster Cooking.
Prep time: About 5 minutes
Chill time: About 1 1/2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1 very ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- Mix the oatmeal, peanuts, cranberries, mashed banana, peanut butter, honey, chia seeds and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. Cover with saran wrap and place in the fridge to chill for an hour.
- Once chilled, scoop the dough in pieces and roll into one-inch balls. Place on a greased plate and freeze for about 30 minutes. Then enjoy! *To keep them longer, keep them chilled.
Nutritional information per ball:
Calories: 118
Fat: 6.7 grams
Carbohydrates: 12.5 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Protein: 3.4 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 3
Claire--do you know how long they will keep in the fridge? Or could I freeze them and put what we want to eat the next morning out overnight?
Can this recipe stick well without the peanut butter?