These chunky monkey energy balls are named after the classic Ben and Jerry's flavour. Banana, peanut butter, and chocolate all rolled into one bite. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, no baking, and ready in about 10 minutes. I keep a batch in my fridge every single week.
The chunky monkey combination is one of my absolute favourites for energy balls because the banana adds natural sweetness and helps everything bind together without needing dates or extra sweetener. You just mash, mix, roll, and refrigerate. So simple.
If you love these, my peanut butter cookie dough energy balls are the next batch to make. Same method, completely different flavour, equally addictive. And my oatmeal cookie energy balls are another alternative I always have going in the fridge alongside these. Between the two you will never be without a tasty snack.
Why You'll Love These
- Named after the Ben and Jerry's flavour. Banana, peanut butter, chocolate. All the best things in one ball.
- Ready in 10 minutes. No blender, no food processor, just a bowl and a fork.
- Naturally sweetened. Ripe banana does all the sweetening; no dates, no maple syrup needed.
- Vegan and gluten-free. Made entirely from whole food ingredients.
- Meal prep ready. Make a batch on Sunday and snack all week.
Ingredients in Chunky Monkey Energy Balls
Rolled Oats - I prefer to use old fashioned rolled oats for this recipe for the texture. Be sure to use gluten free oats for GF!
Banana - make sure you use a spotty ripe banana for these energy balls! Ripe bananas are easier to mash, slightly sweeter and will blend together easily with the rest of your ingredients.
Peanut Butter - creamy peanut butter helps bind these energy bites together and creates the so adored chunky monkey flavour! Feel free to substitute any creamy nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer.
Ground Flax seed - this adds a boost of fibre and nutrients to these energy balls and adds to the delicious texture. If you don't have flaxseed, you can substitute chia seeds or hemp seeds 1:1.
Pure Maple Syrup - this adds just a slight sweetness to these energy balls and helps bind the ingredients all together. If not vegan, feel free to substitute honey for maple syrup.
Chopped Pecans - feel free to sub chopped walnuts if you prefer!
Mini chocolate chips - I prefer to use mini milk or dark chocolate chips because they combine seamlessly with all the ingrdients. Large chocolate chips don't hold together as well in these energy balls. Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips for vegan diet.
Protein Powder (optional) - for an additional protein boost, I added a scoop of Nuzest Vegan Vanilla Protein. This is totally optional and won't affect the flavour if you don't use any.
Vanilla extract - optional for added flavor
See recipe card for quantities.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Superfood Breakfast Cookies- if you love a wholesome no-bake snack these are the next thing to make
- Ferrero Rocher Bliss Balls- the hazelnut chocolate version for when you want something a little more indulgent
- Frozen Chocolate Covered Banana Pops- same banana and chocolate combination in frozen form, another five minute freezer snack
- Brownie Bliss Balls- rich, fudgy, and made in the same ten minute no-bake style
📖 Recipe
No Bake Chunky Monkey Energy Balls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- parchment lined tray for chilling
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c rolled oats
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- ½ c almond butter
- ½ c crushed walnuts
- ¼ c maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ c mini chocolate chips
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash bananas and then stir in all ingredients except nuts and chocolate chips. Add ~1tbsp almond milk if too crumbly.
- Fold in nuts and chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate dough for 20 mins.
- Roll dough into 1in balls and enjoy!
- Store in the fridge (or freezer and save for later!)
Notes
How To Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.Top Tips
- Use a very ripe banana. The spottier the better. It mashes completely smooth, tastes sweeter, and holds the mixture together without any extra binder.
- Chill the mixture before rolling. Ten to fifteen minutes in the fridge makes it so much easier to handle. Room temperature mixture sticks to everything.
- Wet your hands slightly before rolling. A little water on your palms stops the mixture sticking and the balls come together cleanly.
- The mixture should hold when pressed. Squeeze a small amount between your fingers. If it crumbles, add peanut butter one teaspoon at a time.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions for Chunky Monkey Energy Balls
Can I make these without oats? Yes. Almond flour works as a substitute at the same ratio. The texture will be slightly softer but the balls hold together just as well.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes. Any drippy nut butter works at the same ratio. Almond butter gives a slightly milder flavour, cashew butter is the most neutral, and sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free version.
How long do these keep? Up to 1 week in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Ronnee
I love. that it's super quick and super easy to make! Thanks! Great Share!
Arisha
Thanks so much Ronnee! So happy you loved them!
Stephanie
I really love this recipe! I used cashew nuts and agave syrup and it was delicious!
Arisha
Thanks Stephanie! I'm so happy you enjoyed them and made them your own!
Leisa Watts
These energy balls are amazing!! So easy to make and so delicious! You will not be able to stop at one. Will definitely be making these again.
Arisha
Hi Leisa! YAY, so excited to hear! It's one of my favourite snack recipes ever! Thank you:)
Diane
How long will they stay in the frig? Or fteezer?
Arisha
You can store them in the fridge for one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Krista
The best meal prep snack. I could eat quite a few in one sitting!
Arisha
They've been a staple in my house for years! So fun to make 🙂