Why you’ll love Snickers Energy Balls!
If you love the sweet, salty, chocolate-peanut flavor of a Snickers bar but want something made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these Snickers Energy Balls are for you. 🥜🍫✨ They have a soft caramel-like center from dates, plenty of peanut flavor, and little pockets of dark chocolate in every bite.
Louise and I tested these several times to get the texture just right. The result is an easy no-bake snack that’s satisfying, naturally sweetened, and made with everyday ingredients. No protein powder, no complicated steps, and no messy chocolate coating required—although a quick drizzle of dark chocolate on top takes them to the next level 🤤.
They’re great for meal prep, afternoon cravings, or whenever you want a healthy snack recipe that feels a little special. We also love that they’re freezer-friendly and easy to keep on hand for busy days. If you’re looking for a simple treat that tastes indulgent but is made with ingredients you can feel good about, these chocolate peanut butter energy balls deliver every time.
P.S. Love healthy no-bake snacks? Check out our no-bake oat bars, peanut butter no-bake cookies, or chocolate oatmeal no-bake cookies.
Ingredients
Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.
Medjool dates, peanuts, oats, peanut butter ingredients.
Medjool dates: They create the caramel-like sweetness that makes these Snickers Energy Balls taste so satisfying. Medjool dates work best because they’re soft and moist. You can use Deglet Noor dates (we tested them as you can see in the pictures and video), but you’ll likely need a few extra or enough to reach the same weight.
Rolled oats: Old-fashioned or quick oats both work well. Oats add structure and make these energy balls more filling.
Roasted salted peanuts: These provide the classic Snickers flavor and crunchy texture. Substitute roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, or a mix of nuts for a different twist.
Natural peanut butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together. To keep these Snickers Energy Balls wholesome, use 100% natural peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt. Stir it well before measuring. You can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the caramel notes. You can leave it out or swap it for a pinch of cinnamon.
Dark chocolate chips: Little pockets of chocolate make these chocolate peanut butter energy balls feel like a treat. Use chopped dark chocolate, mini chocolate chips, or cacao nibs.
Dark chocolate (optional): Melted and drizzled on top, it turns these into irresistible healthy no bake snacks. You can drizzle or fully dip the balls for an extra-decadent finish. Use 70% dark chocolate for the best balance of rich chocolate flavor, smooth melting, and moderate sweetness.
Snickers energy balls with chocolate drizzle and a female hand.
How to Make Snickers Energy Balls
Step 1: Blend the base
Add the pitted dates, oats, peanuts, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to a food processor.
Blend until the mixture looks crumbly but sticks together when pressed between your fingers. This is the texture you’re looking for.
If the mixture doesn’t hold together when squeezed in your hand, add 2 or 3 more dates and blend again.
Tip: Medjool dates work best because they’re soft and naturally moist. If using Deglet Noor dates, you may need a little more to reach the same texture.
Step 1 Sticky peanut date mixture in food processor
Step 2: Add the chocolate
Add the chocolate chips to the food processor.
Pulse a few times until they are evenly mixed through the dough. You want little bits of chocolate throughout the mixture, not fully blended.
Step 2 Chocolate chips with peanut date mixture.
Step 3: Roll into balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the palm of your hand.
Squeeze it firmly a few times to compact the mixture. This helps the ingredients stick together and naturally forms a ball shape.
Once compact, give it a quick roll between your palms to smooth it out.
Place the balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
Tip: The mixture may look a little crumbly in the food processor. That’s normal. If it sticks together when squeezed in your hand, it’s ready to shape.
Step 3 Rolled energy balls on silver tray.
Step 4: Optional chocolate topping
Place the dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and melted.
Drizzle the chocolate over the energy balls, or dip them halfway or fully for a more decadent finish. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if you like.
Refrigerate or freeze for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
These energy balls are perfect as a make ahead snack and keep well in the refrigerator or freezer.
Step 4 Melted chocolate drizzled over snickers energy balls.
Tips
Use Medjool dates if possible: They are softer, sweeter, and contain more moisture than other varieties, giving the energy balls the best caramel-like texture.
Adjust for Deglet Noor dates: These dates are smaller and drier than Medjools. You may need a few extra dates to reach the right sweetness and texture.
Don’t overblend the chocolate chips: Pulse just a few times so you get little pockets of chocolate throughout the balls.
Look for the right texture: The mixture may look slightly crumbly in the food processor. That’s normal. If it sticks together when squeezed in your hand, it’s ready to roll.
Squeeze before rolling: Compressing the mixture in your palm first helps the energy balls hold together and makes shaping easier. It also keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands.
If the mixture feels too dry: Add 2 or 3 more dates and blend again until it holds together easily.
Use natural peanut butter: Choose a peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt. Stir it well before measuring.
For the best chocolate topping: Use 70% dark chocolate. It melts smoothly, tastes rich, and pairs perfectly with the peanuts and dates.
Chill before serving: A short time in the refrigerator or freezer helps the chocolate set and makes the balls even more satisfying to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store Snickers Energy Balls?
Store the Snickers Energy Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Let frozen balls sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Can I use Deglet Noor dates instead of Medjool dates?
Why is my mixture crumbly?
Can I make these without a food processor?
Can I use a different nut butter?
Do I have to add the chocolate topping?
Can I use quick oats?
Are these good for meal prep?
