Banana Bread Energy Balls are an incredible way to fuse the comfort of banana bread with the convenience of a versatile snack. I first whipped these up during a busy week when time slipped away from me. The familiar aroma of sweet bananas mingling with warm cinnamon instantly brightened my day. Not only are these delightful bites packed with flavor, but they’re also nutritious, making them a perfect fuel source for both kids and adults alike. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why these energy balls are bound to become a staple in your household.

Why you’ll love this dish

First, let’s talk about why these energy balls should be on your must-try list. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few inexpensive ingredients that most of us already have in our kitchens. Whether you want a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack, these energy balls fit the bill perfectly. They’re kid-approved, too—my niece couldn’t get enough of them!

“These energy balls are a game changer for our busy mornings! They’re tasty, filling, and the kids love them!” – Sarah M.

How to make Banana Bread Energy Balls

Creating these energy balls is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll start by mashing ripe bananas, then mix in your dry ingredients, and finish by rolling them into bite-sized balls. The magic happens during those moments of mixing and rolling, where the fragrant spices and creamy nut butter combine beautifully.

What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious snacks:

2 ripe bananas
1 cup oats
1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut butter)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)

Feel free to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. For instance, almond butter offers a lovely flavor twist, while maple syrup gives it a rich sweetness.

Step-by-step instructions

Now, let’s jump into the preparation:

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas.
Mix everything together until it forms a uniform mixture.
If you like, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for that extra crunch.
Roll the mixture into small balls, aiming for about 1 inch in size.
Arrange the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
Enjoy as a healthy snack anytime!

Best ways to enjoy it

These energy balls are versatile! Serve them as a snack during your afternoon slump or pair them with yogurt and fruits for a fulfilling breakfast. You can also plate them on a colorful dish for a fun addition to a brunch gathering. For a seasonal touch, try serving them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing these treats is simple. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper before sealing them up for future snacking.

Helpful cooking tips

Want to elevate your Banana Bread Energy Balls? Here are some pro tips:

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
If you’d like, toast your oats lightly in a pan before mixing; this adds a wonderful nuttiness.
Experiment with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or even a bit of cocoa powder can give your energy balls a unique twist.

Creative twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations you could try:

Add chopped dried fruit like apricots or cranberries for a chewy texture.
Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
For those on a gluten-free diet, substitute regular oats for gluten-free oats.

Your questions answered

Can I use different nut butters? Yes! Feel free to experiment with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for different flavors.
How long can I store these energy balls? They will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week; you can also freeze them for longer storage.
What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup works well as a vegan alternative, or you can use agave nectar if you have it on hand.

Banana Bread Energy Balls

A nutritious and convenient snack that merges the flavors of banana bread with energy ball ease, perfect for both kids and adults.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 balls

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
1 cup oats Regular or gluten-free oats can be used.
1/4 cup nut butter (almond or peanut butter) Feel free to try other nut butters as well.
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Maple syrup can serve as a vegan alternative.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon You can experiment with other spices.
1/4 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional) Optional for added flavor and texture.

Instructions

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed bananas.
Mix everything together until it forms a uniform mixture.
If you like, fold in chocolate chips or nuts for that extra crunch.
Roll the mixture into small balls, aiming for about 1 inch in size.
Arrange the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them set.
Enjoy as a healthy snack anytime!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen, separated by parchment paper.

Keyword banana bread, Easy Recipes, energy balls, Healthy snacks, nutritious snack