Save Pin
These banana bread energy bites turn the classic quick bread into a handy, good-for-you snack that handles sweet tooth moments without any shame. I whipped these up while hunting for something better than my usual afternoon cookies, and now they're what I grab for busy days or before working out.
I came up with these during a crazy busy work period when I needed quick, healthy bites between calls. They've become something I make every week now, and my kids actually like them more than store-bought snack bars.
What You'll Need
- Old fashioned rolled oats: Give you that filling base and energy that lasts
- Mashed banana: Brings the sweetness and that unmistakable banana bread taste
- Almonds: Pack in some protein and light crunchiness even after blending
- Pecans: Add a creamy richness that reminds you of fresh banana bread
- Maple syrup: Sticks everything together and adds natural sweetness
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that familiar spice that makes banana bread so good
- Vanilla extract: Gives deeper flavor try to get the real stuff for best taste
- Salt: Perks up all the flavors and makes the sweetness pop
How To Make Them
- Mix everything together:
- Dump all your stuff into a food processor. Smash your banana really well first so it mixes easier. Give it about 10 quick pulses to start breaking down the nuts and oats.
- Get the right texture:
- Wipe down the sides of your food processor with a spatula for even mixing. Keep processing until it's mostly smooth but still has some texture. You'll know it's done when the mix forms a ball and rolls around the bowl as one chunk.
- Shape into balls:
- Grab a medium cookie scoop to get even amounts. Roll each scoop between your hands to make them round. Your warm hands help everything stick together. Put each finished ball on a parchment-covered plate.
- Cool them down:
- Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time lets the oats soak up moisture and firms up the balls to just the right feel. Once they're cold, they're good to go.
Save Pin
The mix of pecans and cinnamon really makes these taste just like actual banana bread. At first my daughter wouldn't try them because she thought they'd taste too healthy, but now she asks for them in her lunch box nearly every week. That's a win in my kitchen!
Keeping Them Fresh
These energy bites stay freshest when you keep them in a sealed container in the fridge where they'll last about a week. The cold helps them hold their shape and stops the banana from turning brown too fast. If you want to keep them longer, put them in a freezer container with parchment paper between layers so they don't stick together. They'll stay good frozen for up to three months. Just let frozen bites thaw in the fridge for an hour before eating.
Save Pin
Easy Swaps
You can change this recipe based on what you need or what's in your kitchen. Try walnuts instead of pecans for a more classic banana bread taste. You can use honey rather than maple syrup if you want, though it'll taste a bit different. For a chocolate chip version, cut back the nuts by 1/4 cup and toss in some mini chocolate chips. If you can't eat nuts, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead, just adjust how long you blend them to get the texture right.
Making Them Kid-Friendly
Even though these energy bites are packed with healthy stuff, kids love them because they're naturally sweet and taste like banana bread. To make them even more tempting for little ones, roll the finished balls in shredded coconut, tiny chocolate chips, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Let kids help make them they can measure stuff, push the food processor buttons, and roll the mix into balls. Making smaller balls might be easier for tiny hands to hold when eating.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I store banana bread energy balls?
Pop them in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for around three months if you want them to last longer.
- → What if my energy balls don't hold together?
When your balls fall apart, your mix might be too chunky. Run the food processor a bit longer until everything gets finer and stickier so they'll roll up better.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Sure thing. Quick oats work fine when you don't have rolled ones. They'll feel a little different but will still stick together and taste just as good.
- → Are there substitutions for maple syrup?
You can swap maple syrup for honey, agave, or any runny sweetener you prefer. Just know it might change the taste a little bit.
- → Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips?
Go for it! Throw in some chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even chia or flax seeds to make the energy balls just the way you like them.