Peanut butter and jelly energy balls Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a snack that hits all the right notes—sweet, nutty, chewy, and satisfying—you simply must try these Peanut butter and jelly energy balls. They’re the perfect little pockets of goodness, blending wholesome oats and flaxseed with luscious peanut butter and that irresistible burst of jam right in the center. Whether you want a midday pick-me-up or a quick energy boost before a workout, these bites are a dreamy way to enjoy all the comfort of a classic childhood sandwich in an energizing, mess-free snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling the dream team of flavor and nutrition. Each one is straightforward but brings something special—texture, richness, or that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Medjool dates (1 cup, pitted): These naturally sweet gems add chewy texture and hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Oats (1 cup): Classic, hearty oats give the energy balls substance and that satisfying bite.
- Ground flax seeds (1/4 cup): A fantastic source of omega-3s and fiber, flax seeds add a subtle nuttiness and boost nutrition.
- Shredded coconut (1/4 cup): This whispers tropical vibes and adds a touch of chewiness.
- Peanut butter (1/2 cup): Creamy or natural, it’s the star that holds everything together with its rich, savory sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Just a hint lends warmth and depth to the flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): A sprinkle of spice that elevates the taste with a cozy note.
- Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Your favourite jam: The heart of the Peanut butter and jelly energy balls, it brings that classic fruity tang that makes these bites truly special.
How to Make Peanut butter and jelly energy balls
Step 1: Prep the Jam
Start by lining a baking pan with parchment paper and dolloping about 15 small teaspoons of your favourite jam onto it. Pop it into the freezer for at least two hours to let the jam firm up. This step is key because it helps keep that delicious jam center intact when you seal the energy balls.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Next, toss the dates, oats, ground flax seeds, shredded coconut, peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into your food processor. Pulse until the mixture combines into a sticky dough. You’ll know it’s ready when it clumps together and feels tacky between your fingers. If the mixture seems too dry, don’t hesitate to add a date or two for extra moisture and sweetness.
Step 3: Form the Disks
Using your hands, scoop a generous spoonful of dough and flatten it gently into a disk. This creates the perfect base for your jam center.
Step 4: Insert the Jam
Retrieve the frozen jam dollops from the freezer and place one in the center of each dough disk. This frozen jam surprise is what brings the Playful peanut butter and jelly energy balls to life.
Step 5: Seal and Shape
Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the jam, sealing it tightly just like you would fold a dumpling. Then roll the sealed dough gently between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
Step 6: Repeat and Store
Keep going until you’ve used up all your dough and jam. Store your Peanut butter and jelly energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, ready to grab for a wholesome snack anytime.
How to Serve Peanut butter and jelly energy balls

Garnishes
Add a little flair to your Peanut butter and jelly energy balls by rolling them in extra shredded coconut, crushed peanuts, or a light dusting of cinnamon powder. These touches add a delightful texture contrast and make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with fresh fruit slices like apple or banana for an extra dose of natural sweetness. A small cup of yogurt also complements the nutty and fruity flavors perfectly, turning your snack into a mini-meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Arrange your Peanut butter and jelly energy balls on a colorful platter with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a vibrant snack board. Individually wrap them in parchment for grab-and-go gifts or add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut butter and jelly energy balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will maintain their texture and flavor for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead snack for busy days.
Freezing
If you want your snack stash to last even longer, freeze the energy balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They freeze wonderfully and stay fresh for up to three months—perfect for prepping in bulk.
Reheating
Since Peanut butter and jelly energy balls are best enjoyed cool to keep their shape and texture, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them slightly softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, and they’ll be perfectly gooey and ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use different nut butters with these Peanut butter and jelly energy balls?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives if you want to switch things up or have allergies. Each nut butter brings its own lovely flavor profile.
What kind of jam works best?
Feel free to use any jam you love—strawberry, raspberry, or even grape are classic choices. Just make sure you pick one with a smooth consistency that freezes well for the best results.
Are these energy balls suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based, making these Peanut butter and jelly energy balls a perfect vegan-friendly snack.
How sticky are these energy balls? Will they stick to my hands?
They’re pleasantly sticky but manageable. If the dough feels too tacky, dust your hands with a little oats or coconut flakes while rolling to keep it from sticking excessively.
Can I add protein powder to boost nutrition?
Definitely. Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder can elevate the energy balls, especially if you need extra fuel for workouts. Just adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way Peanut butter and jelly energy balls satisfy both your craving for sweetness and your need for nourishing sustenance. They’re simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and undeniably delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover your own favorite jam combination—snacking will never be the same again!
PrintPeanut butter and jelly energy balls Recipe
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Balls are a delicious, nutritious snack perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, oats, flax seeds, and creamy peanut butter, these no-bake treats combine natural sweetness with a gooey jam center for a nostalgic twist on a classic flavor pairing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 energy balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake, blending, freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 15 dates)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or natural both work well)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Jam Center
- Your favourite jam (approx. 15 tsp for dollops)
Instructions
- Prepare the jam: Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place about 15 small dollops (about 1 teaspoon each) of your favourite jam spaced out on the pan.
- Freeze the jam: Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours until the jam dollops firm up to make them easy to handle.
- Blend the base mixture: In a food processor, combine the Medjool dates, oats, ground flax seeds, shredded coconut, peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture comes together and feels sticky, adding a few more dates if it’s not sticky enough to hold shape.
- Form base disks: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and flatten each into a disk shape large enough to hold a jam dollop in the center.
- Add the jam center: Remove the jam dollops from the freezer and place one in the middle of each flattened disk.
- Seal the balls: Fold up the edges of the disk around the jam like a dumpling, sealing it inside. Then gently roll the sealed dough between your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Repeat: Repeat the process until you have formed all the energy balls, about 15 in total.
- Store: Place the energy balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh and firm.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer dates.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for a healthier option.
- Feel free to substitute the shredded coconut with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- These energy balls keep well in the fridge for up to one week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- For a nut-free version, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- If mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water or more peanut butter to help bind.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 energy ball (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: peanut butter energy balls, no bake snacks, healthy energy bites, peanut butter and jelly snack, vegan energy bites