5-Minute Peanut Butter Energy Balls Your Kids Will Devour

Question 1

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Accepted Answer

Oh honey, no! Steel-cut oats are way too hard and will make your energy balls gritty. Stick with good old rolled oats (sometimes called old-fashioned oats). They blend perfectly and give that chewy texture we love. I learned this lesson the hard way when my first batch tasted like eating gravel - not my finest kitchen moment!

Question 2

Are peanut butter energy balls gluten-free?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - just use certified gluten-free oats! That’s what I do for my friend with celiac disease. Some oats get cross-contaminated during processing, so check that package. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free (unless you’re adding something crazy like cookie crumbs).

Question 3

Help! My energy balls are too soft - how do I firm them up?

Accepted Answer

Been there! Just add more oats, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds its shape. They’ll absorb excess moisture. If they’re still too sticky after chilling, roll them in oat flour or coconut flakes for extra grip. My niece calls these the “snowball version” when I do that!

Question 4

Can I skip the honey if I don’t have any?

Accepted Answer

Sure thing! Maple syrup works beautifully (that’s my vegan go-to). You could also try agave or even date syrup - just adjust to taste. The syrup mainly helps bind everything, so don’t skip it entirely unless you enjoy edible sand... not that I’d know about that failed experiment or anything.

Question 5

Are these good for post-workout recovery?

Accepted Answer

You bet! The combo of protein from peanut butter and carbs from oats makes them perfect fuel. I stash a few in my gym bag. Some folks add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost the muscles’ recovery - just add a splash more liquid if the dough gets too thick. Whip up a batch Sunday for easy grab-and-go workout snacks all week!

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition