Peanut butter and chocolate energy balls
There are a few recipes that are so ridiculously simple, you can barely call them recipes. Yet, speaking to friends and family, these seem to be the ones that they want the most. We're all so busy all the time, sometimes you just want something really tasty you can put together quickly, with minimum effort involved.
Well, here's one such recipe. Peanut butter and chocolate energy balls. Chocolate and PB are always a match made in heaven and these are incredibly moreish, the perfect grab-and-go snack to keep you going on a manic day.
They may not be the most beautiful, but they're so good, easy and quick...and just look how fudgy they are inside. Yum.
I used to love those no-bake peanut butter and chocolate oatmeal cookies. They're easy and tasty - but also packed full of sugar and butter. While I believe there is a time and place for lascivious amounts of both, I don't want them in a regular snack. These energy balls are a mix of oats, coconut flakes, peanut butter and cocoa, lightly sweetened with honey. A handful of store-cupboard ingredients, mixed together in one bowl, with no baking involved. This is simplicity at its most delicious.
And if you'd rather have a cookie? Just flatten the balls out with the palm of your hand and chill them in the fridge for about fifteen minutes. You're welcome.
Peanut butter and chocolate energy balls
Makes about 15 little balls.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup rolled or quick oats
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes*
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter*
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
METHOD
Mix together the oats, coconut flakes and cocoa powder in a bowl. Stir in the peanut butter, honey and vanilla essence until it all comes together.
If it's a warm day, you can put this in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to harden up and make it easier to handle. Take teaspoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls.
That's all, folks. If you have time and want to make these prettier, you could roll them in chopped nuts or more coconut flakes.
Notes: If your coconut flakes are a little too big (like mine), pulse them 2 or 3 times in a food processor or spice grinder until they're a little smaller - think snowflakes rather than powder. If your peanut butter is a little too stiff, put in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
