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These peanut butter and jelly energy balls are a healthy energizing snack with a surprise in the middle! Bite into one and enjoy the jelly filling oozing out….yum!
Well, I hate to be the one to say it…but back-to-school/work season is upon us. I know there are still a few weeks left of summer, (which I’m holding onto!) but wherever I look people seem to be getting ready for the inevitable Fall that is just around the corner.
The good news is that means plenty of delicious snacks, meal prep, and cozy Fall recipes are also just around the corner. And who can resist a delicious Thai Vegetable Red Curry, Healthy Pumpkin Muffins or Cinnamon and Apple Bread? But I’m getting ahead of myself here…
For now, I’m still going to enjoy the sunny weather and make as many popsicles as my heart desires. Also, I’m going to eat as many of these peanut butter and jelly energy balls as my heart desires, because they are the BEST.
If you’re looking for a simple and healthy energizing treat or back-to-school snack, THESE are exactly what you need! If you’re a peanut butter and jelly fan like I am, then oh my gosh do you need these in your life.
Seriously, they are like bitting in a soft and chewy peanut butter sandwich with a pop of strawberry jelly gushing out. Have I sold you on these yet?
A few notes on this recipe:
The base for these peanut butter and jelly energy balls are made from Medjool dates, which acts as the “glue” that holds these energy balls together. Medjool dates tend to be sticker than regular date, and I love them because they add a nice amount of sweetness without having to add any extra sugars or sticky
You can technically use any type of dates for this recipe, you just want to make sure you’re dates are fresh and sticky! If you’re dates feel a bit dry, just soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain. This will help rehydrate your dates and help your energy balls bind together.
I use organic creamy peanut butter in this recipe, but you can use any type of peanut butter you like or substitute peanut butter for your nut butter of choice.
These energy balls store well in the fridge for weeks in an air-tight container. If you’re packing these up to go, make sure to bring a little icepack with you if you plan on having them out of the fridge for a few hours so they stay nice and firm!
These peanut butter and jelly energy balls are:
- Refined-sugar free
- Vegan and gluten-free (*make sure to use gluten-free certified oats!)
- High in fibre and protein
Get creative with this recipe! You can stuff these with any jam you prefer, or even with some homemade Nutella would be delicious!
Peanut butter and jelly energy balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12–15 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Description
These peanut butter and jelly energy balls are the best ever snack! Made with dates, peanut butter and stuffed with strawberry jelly. They’re so delicious!
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
- your favourite jam
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place about 15 small dollops (about 1 tsp each) of jam on the pan.
- Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to let the jam firm up.
- Blend the Medjool dates, oats, flax seeds, shredded coconut, peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt in a food processor until combined. The mixture should be sticky when you press it between your fingers. If it’s not, add a few more dates.
- Using your hand scoop out some of the dough and flatten into a disk shape.
- Remove the jam from the freezer and place a dollop in the center of the disk.
- Fold up the edges sealing the jam in the center, (like folding a dumpling) then roll between your hands to form a ball.
- Repeat the process for each energy bite.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
Don’t add too much jam to the center of the bites otherwise, it may spill out! I use this cookie scoop to create uniform energy balls
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
This post contains affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. I only recommend products that I know, trust and love!
Hi! Can I substitute chia seeds for flax seeds? I am really trying to figure out how to recreate the snack bites by Smash Foods. Thanks!
Yes no problem! 🙂
Is there a good substitute for the shredded coconut?
You can leave it out!
What can I substitute for the dates?
Hi Dana! You can substitute with another dried fruit, though dates do work best. (You can try apricots, raisins etc)
Can I replace thrm into freezer too?
Yes you can!
Ok, I never comment on recipes, but we have made these twice and are OBSESSED!! So, so delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Hi Jess! I’m so happy to hear you loved the recipe as much as I do! These are my favourite energy bites 🙂
I’m exactly in the same position, Jess! haha OBSSESSED OMG THANK YOU for this reicpe!
Thanks Maria! So happy you love them as much as I do! 😀
They look fantastic as everything you do!!
Thank you Domenico! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
ANYTHING with a jelly filling catches my eye. Donuts, cake, nutrition bars, cookies, sandwiches, even little energy balls! I love that this recipe is nut-free to make things allergen friendly. I could just eat the dates and oat cookie dough mixture on its own and spread jam on top too! NOT even kidding!
Hey Cassie! I’m the EXACT same. I can’t get enough of this combination! And wow that actually sounds like it would be delicious like that too!
Oh this caught my eye immediately Jess! There is no better combo on this Earth than peanut butter and jelly (or jam as us Aussie’s call it)! Seriously want to devour them all!
I totally agree with you Sashsa! Siden note we also call it jam here in Canada but in the case with peanut butter most people seem to call it jelly hehe 🙂