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–+ servings

Chunky Monkey Energy Balls (No-Bake, No Blender)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 14 balls
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 1 ripe banana about ½ cup (120 g) mashed
  • 1 cup (100 g) quick oats
  • ¼ cup (60 g) almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons (40 g) honey
  • ⅓ cup (60 g) mini dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) walnuts chopped
  • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract + 1 pinch of salt

  • Mix the wet ingredients: Add 1 ripe banana to a medium bowl and mash it well with a fork. Add ¼ cup almond butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
    Step 1 Mashed banana mixed with almond butter, honey, and vanilla.
  • Add the dry ingredients: Add 1 cup quick oats, ⅓ cup walnuts (roughly chopped), ⅓ cup mini dark chocolate chips and mix until combined.
    If using quick oats, let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes. If using rolled oats, refrigerate for 20 minutes.
    The mixture should be soft but easy to handle. If it feels too wet, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of oats.
    Step 2 Oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips folded into banana mixture.
  • Shape the energy balls: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture into your hand. Gently compact it until it holds together, then give it a quick roll between your palms to make it round.
    Step 3 Rolled chunky monkey energy balls on a baking tray.
  • Chill: Place on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes, or freeze for a firmer texture.
    Step 4 Freshly shaped energy balls arranged on baking paper before chilling.
Substitutions
  • Quick oats → Old-fashioned rolled oats for a heartier texture. Let the mixture rest longer before shaping.
  • Ripe banana → A spotty, overripe banana is best for sweetness and moisture. Avoid underripe bananas.
  • Almond butter → Peanut butter works too, but it adds a stronger peanut flavor that can overpower the Chunky Monkey combination.
  • Honey → Maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan option.
  • Walnuts → Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or peanuts for a different kind of crunch.
  • Mini dark chocolate chips → Chopped dark chocolate for larger chocolate pockets and a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Vanilla extract → Vanilla bean paste for a more pronounced vanilla taste.
  • Salt → No real substitute. A small pinch helps bring out the banana, walnut, and chocolate flavors.
 
Tips
  • Use a very ripe banana for the best sweetness and texture.
  • Almond butter works best here; it lets the Chunky Monkey flavors shine.
  • Don't skip the vanilla; it adds that classic ice cream flavor.
  • Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes so the oats can absorb moisture.
  • If the mixture feels wet, add 2–4 tablespoons more oats.
  • Keep the walnuts chunky for better crunch and texture.
  • Use slightly wet hands to make shaping easier.
  • Mini chocolate chips are the quickest, easiest option.
  • Use chopped dark chocolate for bigger chocolate pockets.
  • Chill before serving for a firmer texture.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw for a few minutes before eating.
  • Taste the mixture before shaping and add a little more honey if needed.
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