A snack for the week ahead ready in less than 30 minutes! These almond butter and jelly energy balls are the perfect energy-boosting snack to power you through the day.
IT’S ALMOND BUTTER JELLY TIMEEEEEEE!
Who doesn’t love a good PBJ or ABJ sandwich?! It was pretty my lunch everyday in grammar school and high school.
I love the nutty flavor against the sweetness of the jam. And now you can have that same flavor combination in bite form!
Snacks are crucial to having energy throughout the day. Your body needs to be refueled about every 3-4 hours to keep your blood sugar levels stable and to keep your energy from dipping.
And for the ultimate energy you need a combo of all three macronutrients: carbs, protein and fat! Enter these energy balls with all three!
Plus, this recipe only takes about 30 minutes start to finish (about 10 minutes active time and 20 minutes to set in the fridge while you clean up!). 30 minutes to prep snacks for the week?! HERE FOR IT!
Oh and did I mention you only need 6 ingredients, many of which are pantry staples! Winning all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Notes on Ingredients:
Dates: You can use pitted dates or Medjool dates. Medjool dates will likely require you to soak them in warm water to soften so you can remove the pit and it makes them easier to process. Medjool dates tend to be sweeter and have a caramel-like flavor, whereas pitted dates have a more mild sweet flavor. If you want these to taste sweeter, I’d go for Medjool! But I’ve made them with both and they turn out fine either way
Flaxseed: Make sure this is ground flaxseed. If you only have whole flaxseed, you can grind it yourself using a coffee grinder or high-speed blender.
How to Make Almond Butter and Jelly Energy Bites
This recipe is super easy. You just throw all your ingredients into a food processor and let the processor do its THANG.
Pro Tip #1!
If you want a super smooth consistency, pulse the dates and almonds first until you get a crumb-like texture and then add your other ingredients to continue pulsing until combined.
You can add all the ingredients at once but you might notice there are some small chunks of almonds that remain, which is perfect if you like a CRUNCH!
I used my hands to pick up some of the mixture and form them into balls to place on a parchment lined baking sheet. You could also use a tablespoon as a scoop if you didn’t want to use your hands. And then the energy balls go into the fridge to set for 20-30 minutes.
Pro Tip #2!
Make a double batch and throw one in the freezer to save you time and energy when you run out!
Energy Balls FAQs
How do I store the balls?
You can store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator or freezer.
How long do the balls last?
They will keep in the fridge for up to a week and in the freezer for up to three months.
Are these energy balls healthy?
While I don’t like to label foods as good or bad / healthy or unhealthy, these energy balls are packed with nutrition including fiber, monounsaturated fat, plant-based protein, carbohydrates, and omega-3s!
What if I’m allergic to almonds?
Try using sunflower butter and sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative!
For more of my easy snack ideas, check out these recipes:
- The Best Lavender Granola
- Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Wing Dip
- Slow Cooker Vegan Chili Cheese Lentil Dip
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
If you like this recipe, please be sure to give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!
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Almond Butter and Jelly Energy Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 17-18 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A snack for the week ahead ready in less than 30 minutes! These almond butter and jelly energy balls are the perfect energy-boosting snack to power you though the day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup Medjool dates
- 3/4 cup creamy, unsalted almond butter
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse almonds and dates to a fine, crumb-like texture. Add almond butter, raisins, and seeds and pulse to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Roll mixture into balls and place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Store the balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to one week or freezer for up to three months.
- If you need a nut-free alternative, try using sunflower butter and sunflower seeds!
- You can add all the ingredients at once to the food processor if you’re okay with having a little crunch from the almonds.
- Pulsing the almonds and dates first ensures a more smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
This recipe was retested, reshot, and revamped to bring you the most delicious (and beautiful!) recipe. The original recipe was published May 2015.
Really easy and adaptable recipe for no bake energy balls. All the family love them and really helps when you want to reach for a sweet treat and you have the balls made so quickly to hand!
Love to hear that! It’s so helpful to have delish snacks readily available for the whole family.
I love these, I make them all the time. Sometimes I add in oats or swap the raisins for dried apricots or prunes.
Love a good swap! I’ll have to try apricots or prunes next time. Thanks, Alecia!
Made these today! Good, maybe would have been better with the raisins. Did not have any! 🙁
I’m glad you still enjoyed these energy balls regardless!
I love using dates in these kinds of snacks. I’ll have to try these soon!
There is no such thing as too many bite recipes pinned to my snacks board. Added!
Bites make the best snacks! Couldn’t agree more!
Yay for AB&J! These bring me back to childhood lunches…in a good way! 🙂
Totally! AB&J everyday was my life from age 5-17. 🙂
mmm, these balls look delicious! I have some almond butter in my pantry I’ve been meaning to use up. I think I found the perfect snack!
They were meant to be! Enjoy, Heather 🙂
Why oh Why is life so unfair that I don’t have these already made and waiting on me!! They look and sound SO yum 🙂
Haha #foodbloggerproblems. Thanks, Regan!