Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls

Looking for a delicious, wholesome snack that’s as easy to make as it is tasty? Let me introduce you to Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls—a fun and nutritious treat that packs in all the flavor without the guilt! These little bites are the perfect combo of sweet strawberries, ripe bananas, and hearty oats, making them a great option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a pre-workout boost. The best part? They’re no-bake and require just a handful of simple ingredients, so you can whip them up in no time. These oat balls are chewy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser—trust me, they’re going to be your new go-to snack.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls

These strawberry and banana oat balls are not just tasty, they also offer a variety of benefits! Here’s why they’re so awesome:

Quick and Easy:

With just a few ingredients, you can have these oat balls ready in no time. No oven, no mess—just simple prep and a delicious, healthy snack!

Naturally Sweetened:

The bananas and strawberries naturally sweeten these oat balls, meaning there’s no need for added sugars or sweeteners. It’s a snack you can feel good about.

Packed with Nutrients:

Oats are full of fiber and keep you feeling full, while bananas and strawberries offer a burst of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a snack that nourishes both your body and your taste buds.

Kid-Friendly:

These oat balls are perfect for little ones (and adults, too!). The sweet flavors and fun bite-sized shape make them a hit with kids. Plus, you can easily make them together for some family fun in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Oat Balls:

• Rolled oats: The base of the oat balls. These provide a hearty texture and lots of fiber.
• Banana: Mashed, for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Fresh strawberries: Chopped or pureed, adding a burst of fruity goodness.
• Peanut butter (or almond butter): Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners to enhance the flavors of the oats and fruit.
• Ground flaxseeds: For a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Chia seeds: Optional but great for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by mashing the banana in a medium-sized bowl. Add the chopped strawberries or strawberry puree to the banana. If you’re using whole strawberries, simply blend them or chop them into small pieces for better texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the peanut butter (or almond butter) and honey (or maple syrup) to the fruit mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, add the rolled oats, ground flaxseeds, and chia seeds to the bowl. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. The oats should soak up some of the moisture, making the mixture a little thicker.

Step 4: Form the Oat Balls

Once the mixture is ready, scoop out small amounts of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls with your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Chill the Oat Balls

Place the rolled oat balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them set and firm up. This step ensures they hold their shape when you eat them.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the oat balls are chilled and firm, they’re ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 oat balls
Calories per serving: 100 kcal
Total Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 1g
  Cholesterol: 0mg
  Sodium: 2mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
  Protein: 3g
  Vitamin A: 0% DV
  Vitamin C: 10% DV
  Calcium: 2% DV
  Iron: 4% DV

(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and portions used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls

As a Snack:

These oat balls make a perfect snack on the go! They’re easy to pack in your lunchbox, and the combination of oats, fruit, and peanut butter will keep you feeling satisfied between meals.

For Breakfast:

Need a quick breakfast? Grab a couple of these oat balls with your morning coffee or tea. They’re great on their own or alongside a piece of toast or a smoothie.

After a Workout:

These oat balls are an excellent post-workout snack. The combination of protein, carbs, and healthy fats will help fuel your recovery.

Kid-Friendly:

Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, playdates, or after-school snacks. You can also get the kids involved in making them!

Additional Tips

Make Them Dairy-Free:

If you need these to be dairy-free, just make sure to use non-dairy peanut butter (or almond butter) and maple syrup, and skip the honey.

Add Chocolate Chips:

For a little extra sweetness and fun, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mix. Dark chocolate chips work wonderfully with the banana and strawberry flavors.

Freeze for Later:

These oat balls freeze really well. Just store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready for a snack, let them thaw for a few minutes or enjoy them straight from the freezer.

Boost the Protein:

For an extra protein boost, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. This is especially useful if you plan on eating them as a post-workout snack.

Make Them Vegan:

To make these oat balls completely vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A1: Yes, frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh! Just be sure to thaw and chop them into small pieces before adding them to the mixture.

Q2: Can I substitute the peanut butter with something else?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re allergic to peanuts or just don’t like the taste, you can swap in almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.

Q3: How do I store these oat balls?
A3: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q4: Can I add other fruits?
A4: Definitely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango. Just make sure the fruit is chopped into small pieces.

Q5: How do I make them less sticky?
A5: If the mixture is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before rolling the oat balls. If it’s still sticky, you can add a little more oats to firm it up.

Q6: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A6: It’s better to use rolled oats for this recipe as they have a softer texture. Steel-cut oats might make the oat balls a bit too chewy and tough.

Q7: Can I add more sweetener?
A7: Yes, if you like them sweeter, feel free to add a little extra honey or maple syrup to taste.

Q8: Are these oat balls gluten-free?
A8: Yes, these oat balls are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Q9: Can I make these oat balls without flaxseeds?
A9: Yes! The flaxseeds add some extra fiber and nutrients, but you can skip them if you don’t have them on hand. You could also replace them with chia seeds.

Q10: Can I make these in advance for meal prep?
A10: Absolutely! These oat balls are perfect for meal prep. Just make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Conclusion

These Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls are the perfect balance of sweet, nutritious, and satisfying. Whether you’re fueling up for the day, enjoying a midday snack, or prepping for a workout, these bite-sized treats are a quick and delicious way to stay energized. They’re easy to make, customizable, and full of wholesome ingredients you can feel good about! Enjoy every chewy, fruity bite!

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