Name: No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bites: The Ultimate Quick Snack Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old fashioned oats; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 cup mini M&Ms; 3/4 cup peanut butter, divided; 1/3 cup honey

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These energy bites bring together the classic flavors of trail mix in a fun, no-bake form. They’re easy to prepare in just minutes, require minimal cleanup, and can be customized with your favorite trail mix ingredients. Perfect for school lunches, outdoor adventures, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, they’re a snack the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Old fashioned oats
Raisins
Chopped peanuts
Mini chocolate chips
Mini M&Ms
Peanut butter
Honey

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, raisins, peanuts, chocolate chips, and M&Ms.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup peanut butter with honey, stirring until smooth.
Let the mixture cool slightly to prevent melting the chocolate.
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
If the mixture is too dry to roll, melt and add the remaining ¼ cup peanut butter.
Roll into 1-inch balls and refrigerate until firm.

Servings and timing

Serves: 20 bites
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Swap raisins for dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots.
Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Add shredded coconut or chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
Try dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before eating. These bites are served cold or at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these without peanut butter?

Yes, substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or another nut/seed butter.

How can I make them vegan?

Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free.

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer.

Will these hold up in warm weather?

They may soften in heat; store them in a cooler or insulated bag for outdoor trips.

Can I make them nut-free?

Yes, replace the peanuts and peanut butter with seeds and seed butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just scale up the ingredients proportionally.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they store well for several days in the fridge and freeze beautifully.

How do I make them sweeter?

Add more honey or mix in sweetened dried fruit.

What size should I roll them?

About 1-inch balls work best, but you can make them larger or smaller.

Can I press this mixture into bars instead of bites?

Yes, press into a parchment-lined pan, chill, and cut into bars.

Conclusion

No-Bake Trail Mix Energy Bites are a versatile, satisfying snack that comes together in minutes with pantry staples. They’re perfect for meal prepping, travel, or simply keeping in the fridge for quick energy any time of day. With endless customization options, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for both kids and adults.