Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites (gluten free!)

Looking for something that tastes like a cross between a slice of banana bread and a doughy soft banana cookie? Don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect solution: NO BAKE BANANA BREAD ENERGY BITES ALL UP IN YO BUSINESS.

These incredible no bake banana energy bites are loaded with crunchy chia seeds, chewy oats, protein-packed peanut butter, cozy cinnamon and an optional scoop of protein powder if you’d like. Can I get a yum already?!

Keep them in your fridge or freezer for the perfect on-the-go snack or treat!

Energy bites packed with omega-3s & protein

These banana energy bites are packed with omega-3 thanks to walnuts & chia seeds. Omega-3s are a wonderful fatty acid that’s essential for your brain, your heart and the immune system. A lot of people struggle to get enough omega-3s in their diet as we tend to not eat enough fish, walnuts, or veggies with that type of nutrient. You can read more about 0mega-3s here.

Another reason to love these energy bites? They’re packed with protein thanks to peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter) and protein powder. While the protein powder is completely optional, I choose to use it to boost the protein in these energy bites and make them a great post-workout snack.

Ingredients in banana energy bites

These banana energy bites are made with simple, nourishing ingredients, taste like a banana bread cookie with plenty of crunchy, yet doughy texture and are even drizzled with dark chocolate for a touch of indulgence. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these energy bites:

• Banana: I suggest using a banana with brown spots to keep these perfectly sweet.
• Peanut butter: natural, drippy peanut butter helps hold the energy bites together and pairs perfectly with the banana flavor. Use the code ‘AMBITIOUS15‘ to get 15% off of my fav nut butter brand, Wild Friends.
• Honey: you’ll just need a bit of honey to help sweeten these energy bites.
• Walnuts: toasted walnuts make these even more delicious. Pecans are also a great option.
• Chia seeds: I love adding chia seeds for a nutritional boost of fiber & protein and a delicious crunch.
• Flavor boosters: don’t forget the cinnamon and salt to bring out the cozy flavors.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: if you want to make these gluten free, make sure to use gluten free rolled oats.
• Optional: I like to add protein powder for an extra boost! I love using Vital Protein Collagen peptides because it’s unflavored, but you can feel free to use a plant based protein powder or omit it completely.
• Chocolate: for an extra treat I like to melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil to create that delicious chocolate drizzle.

Customize this snack

There are a few easy ways to make these banana bread energy bites your own:

• Make them vegan: simply swap the honey for maple syrup or coconut palm syrup, then be sure to use vegan chocolate chips.
• Go nut free: instead of peanut butter use sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped walnuts (or add in extra chia seeds).
• Try a new nut butter: I LOVE the flavor that peanut butter gives these energy bites (especially paired with banana) but you can always use your fav nut butter like almond butter or cashew butter instead.

How to make banana energy bites

All you’ll need is a few ingredients, a food processor and a cookie scoop (or you can use your hands). Here’s how to make them:

1. Make the “dough.” Add all ingredients (besides ingredients for the drizzle) to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are well combined and come together like cookie dough.
2. Shape the energy bites. Use a medium cookie scoop to grab the dough and then roll it into about 18 balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the energy bites for 30 minutes until they’re solid.
3. Add chocolate. Melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil, drizzle over the energy bites, and place them back in the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Then enjoy!

Can I make them without a food processor?

Sure! Simply mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, then add in dry the ingredients and mix together until combined. I usually have to use my hands to mix the dough. At this point, you should be able to roll the mixture into balls. If not, add a bit more nut butter and/or sweetener to help them stick together.

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Storing tips

• To store: these peanut butter banana energy bites will last for 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge.
• To freeze: feel free to add them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 1 month. I prefer these energy bites straight from the freezer, and I’d recommend letting them soften up for about 5-10 minutes in the fridge or at room temp before eating them.

More no bake snacks you’ll love

Get all of my no bake snack recipes here!

I hope you love these banana energy bites as much as I do. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment below, rate the recipe and let me know how you liked them. I appreciate you! xo.

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on February 26th, 2020, and republished on April 25th, 2023.