Need a quick energy boost without turning on the oven? These coffee energy balls combine the perfect blend of caffeine and protein for a satisfying snack. They’re ready in just 10 minutes with no baking required.
Quick Answer: Coffee energy balls are no-bake snacks made with oats, nut butter, instant coffee, dates, and honey. Mix all ingredients, roll into balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. They provide sustained energy and taste like coffee-flavored cookie dough.
Ingredients You Need
The beauty of coffee energy balls is their simple ingredient list. You probably have most of these in your pantry already.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- ½ cup pitted dates, chopped
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
How to Make Coffee Energy Balls
Making these energy balls is incredibly simple. Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined. The mixture should stick together when pressed between your fingers.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands slightly. Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Storage Tips
Store coffee energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just grab one from the freezer for a quick snack – they soften within minutes.
Why Coffee Energy Balls Work
Each ball contains about 20mg of caffeine – roughly one-fifth of a cup of coffee. The dates and honey provide natural sugars for quick energy, while the oats and nut butter offer fiber and protein for sustained fuel. This combination prevents the energy crash you might get from coffee alone.
More Popular Coffee Recipes
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These no-bake coffee energy balls are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and you’ll have grab-and-go snacks all week. They’re ideal for pre-workout fuel, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you need a quick energy boost.