Field Trip Nut-Free Energy Balls (Print Version)

Chewy energy balls made with oats, honey, and seeds, perfect for a wholesome nut-free snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
03 - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
04 - 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, nut-free brand
05 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, optional
06 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter
08 - 1/3 cup honey
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How-To:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut if using, and salt. Mix well until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate bowl, stir together the sunflower seed butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
03 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls with consistent size.
05 - Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and set.
06 - Transfer cooled energy balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're genuinely safe for nut-free environments, which means peace of mind if you're packing for school or caring for kids with allergies.
  • No oven needed—just mix, roll, and chill, making them perfect for busy mornings or when you want something ready faster than you'd think possible.
02 -
  • Don't skip the refrigeration step thinking you can just eat them warm—they need that chill time to firm up properly or they'll crumble in your hands.
  • The sunflower seed butter needs to be well mixed with the honey before you combine everything, or you'll end up with pockets of pure butter that make some balls greasy and others dry.
03 -
  • Room temperature sunflower seed butter mixes way more smoothly than cold butter straight from the pantry—if yours is being stubborn, let it sit out for 10 minutes.
  • If you're making these for school, pack them directly in individual containers so they're grab-and-go perfect and you're not that parent sending loose balls in the lunchbox.
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