Can I make these without oats?

Yes! Try substituting with finely ground almonds, crushed graham crackers, or even quinoa flakes for different textures and flavors.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better. Look for bananas with brown spots, they're sweeter and mash more easily, creating better texture and flavor in your finished balls .

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats provide better texture, quick oats work in a pinch. The final product will be slightly less chewy but still delicious.

What if I don't have nut butter?

Sunflower seed butter, tahini, or even mashed avocado can work as substitutes, though each will create a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I make them firmer?

Add more oats or a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. You can also chill them longer before serving for a firmer texture.

Are these suitable for kids' lunch boxes?

Absolutely! They're nut-free friendly if you use sunflower seed butter, naturally sweet, and provide sustained energy for active kids.

Banana Balls Recipe: Easy No-Bake Energy Bites in Minutes

Description

Banana Balls are soft, naturally sweet bites made with ripe bananas that make a fun and satisfying snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
⅓ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix-Ins & Flavor Boosters

⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds
2 tablespoons shredded coconut (unsweetened)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Coating Options

Extra rolled oats (finely ground)
Shredded coconut
Cocoa powder
Chopped nuts

Substitution-Friendly Options:

Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats
Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free
Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave
Nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for nut butter

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Instructions

1. Mash Bananas
Mash ripe bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon until creamy and well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in rolled oats until evenly mixed. Stir in any add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.

5. Roll
Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls. Lightly dampen hands if sticky.

6. Coat
Roll balls in oats, coconut, or cocoa powder to finish.

Prep Time: 10m
chilling time: 30m
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 85 calories