Description
Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Balls are a wholesome and energizing no-bake snack combining creamy peanut butter, ripe banana, crunchy oats, and rich chocolate chips with a delightful nutty crunch from chopped walnuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go treat, these oatmeal balls deliver a balance of natural sweetness, protein, and healthy fats in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mash the banana: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana thoroughly until smooth and slightly creamy, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Stir well until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form into balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the oatmeal balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This also allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become firm yet chewy.
- Serve and store: Enjoy immediately after chilling, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. These oatmeal balls also freeze well for longer storage.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better binding.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of chia seeds for added nutrition.
- If mixture is too dry, add a splash of almond milk; if too wet, add more oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American