Easy Almond Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe – No-Bake Vegan Treats

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Almond Butter Oatmeal Balls Recipe – No-Bake Vegan Treats

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, healthy snack that doesn’t require a ton of effort. These no-bake almond butter oatmeal balls are seriously a lifesaver. I first made these when my niece was visiting, and we had so much fun rolling them together – plus, they disappeared pretty quickly! They’re perfect for a little energy boost, a lunchbox treat, or even a guilt-free dessert. Let’s get rolling, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These little balls of goodness are seriously amazing. They’re no-bake, meaning minimal time in the kitchen and no oven required! They’re also packed with healthy ingredients like oats, almond butter, and flaxseed. Plus, they’re naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free. Honestly, what’s not to love? They’re a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful treats:

• 1 cup oatmeal (about 100g)
• ½ cup almond meal or nut flour blend (about 60g)
• ½ cup coconut flakes (about 50g)
• 1 cup almond butter (about 250g)
• ¼ cup flax meal (about 30g)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (about 85g)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (about 60ml)
• Candy eyes (as needed for decoration)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Almond Butter Varieties: You can use creamy or crunchy almond butter – it’s totally up to your preference! I personally love creamy for a smoother texture, but crunchy adds a nice bit of bite.
• Oatmeal Types: Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best here, but quick-cooking oats will also do in a pinch. Avoid instant oats, as they can make the balls a bit mushy.
• Chocolate Chip Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips! Dark chocolate is my go-to, but milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips would be delicious.
• Maple Syrup Grades: I prefer using Grade A dark amber maple syrup for a richer flavour, but any grade of pure maple syrup will work beautifully. Avoid using pancake syrup, as it’s often just flavoured sugar.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, let’s get that almond butter nice and smooth. Pop it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, giving it a good stir after each interval. You want it to be easily pourable.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, almond meal, coconut flakes, flax meal, chocolate chips, and maple syrup. Give it a good mix so everything is nicely distributed.
3. Now, pour in the melted almond butter and mix everything together with a spatula. It might take a little elbow grease to get it all combined, but trust me, it’s worth it!
4. Time to roll! Scoop out portions of the mixture – about a tablespoon each – and roll them into lime-sized balls. This is where the fun begins!
5. Finally, press 1-2 candy eyes into each ball to give them a cute little face. Arrange the balls on a plate and pop them into the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make these oatmeal balls perfect:

• Don’t skip the chilling time! It’s essential for the balls to firm up and hold their shape.
• If the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit more maple syrup, a teaspoon at a time.
• If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of almond meal or oats.
• For easier rolling, lightly wet your hands with water.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Adaptations: To make these nut-free, substitute sunflower seed butter for the almond butter. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
• Sweetness Level Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of maple syrup to 2 tablespoons.
• Festive/Holiday Variations: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy fall flavour, or use red and green chocolate chips for a Christmas-themed treat. My kids love decorating them with sprinkles for birthdays!

Serving Suggestions

These oatmeal balls are great on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of herbal tea. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a healthy dessert.

Storage Instructions

Store these oatmeal balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How long do these oatmeal balls last in the refrigerator? They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
• Can I use a different nut butter? Absolutely! Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter would all work well.
• Can I add protein powder to this recipe? Yes, you can! Add a tablespoon or two of your favourite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
• What is the best way to prevent the balls from being too sticky? Make sure you chill them for at least an hour. Lightly wetting your hands before rolling also helps.
• Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Definitely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They’re always a hit at gatherings.