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Easy No-Nut Sunflower Butter Energy Balls Recipe for Lunchboxes

no-nut sunflower butter energy balls - featured image

These no-nut sunflower butter energy balls are a quick, easy, and allergy-friendly snack perfect for lunchboxes. They offer a chewy, naturally sweet bite with a rich sunflower butter flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240g) sunflower butter, smooth or crunchy
  • 1 Β½ cups (135g) rolled oats, old-fashioned
  • ΒΌ cup (85g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (20g) chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • ΒΌ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sunflower butter, ΒΌ cup honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add 1 Β½ cups rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated and mixture holds together, about 3-4 minutes. Add a teaspoon of water or more honey if too crumbly.
  3. Gently fold in ΒΌ cup mini chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Scoop heaping tablespoons (about 1 tablespoon or 15g per ball) and roll between palms into tight, smooth balls.
  5. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Transfer chilled energy balls to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

If sunflower butter is thick, warm slightly for easier mixing. Do not skip chilling step to ensure balls hold shape. Use rolled oats for best texture; quick oats soften the texture. Add water or honey gradually if mixture is too dry. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: energy balls, sunflower butter, no nut, nut-free snack, lunchbox snack, healthy snack, quick snack, chewy energy balls, kid-friendly snack