Maple Pecan Energy Balls
These maple pecan energy balls are a quick, simple, no-bake recipe. They feature wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, and peanut butter, and are naturally sweetened with maple syrup. I’m going to go out on a limb and declare that they are about to become your new favorite snack.
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Energy bites like these pecan balls are an easy, healthy snack you can make without a food processor. Other faves include these cookie dough protein balls and these hemp seed energy balls. Check out all of our snack recipes for more inspiration.
Why you will love this recipe
- Quick, simple, and no-bake. Win, win, win.
- Only six pantry ingredients needed.
- This recipe is also naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredient notes
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
- Oats – We use sprouted rolled oats from One Degree Organic (our FAVE brand).
- Pecans – Add that sweet, nutty flavor. Toast the nuts first if you’re feeling fancy.
- Peanut Butter – Natural style works best. We love chunky, drippy natural peanut butter as the oils will help the balls hold together.
- Maple Syrup – This adds the warmth and sweetness that pairs so well with the pecans.
- Coconut – For a little chewiness and some bonus fiber.
- Chocolate Chips – Turtles, anyone? Pecans and chocolate are a classic, and we are here for it.
EXPERT TIP! Use natural peanut butter. The label should list only peanuts and maybe salt. A fresh jar is best, as the natural oils help to bind the balls together so they aren’t crumbly.
Equipment
I love that this recipe needs no fancy equipment. No baking is involved either!
- Large Mixing Bowl – I prefer a large bowl, so I have lots of room to stir.
- Cookie Scoop – This helps to portion the balls evenly.
- Baking Sheet – Choose one that fits into your fridge. Use this to chill the balls.
- Parchment Paper – A must for easy cleanup and to keep the balls from sticking to the baking sheet.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
First, add the oats, coconut, and chopped nuts to a bowl and stir.
Step 2
Next, add the peanut butter and maple syrup.
Stir again.
Step 3
Then, add the chocolate chips to the mixture.
Stir one more time to blend.
Step 4
Now, to form them, roll the oat mixture into bite-sized balls.
EXPERT TIP! Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly. It keeps your energy balls uniform in size, helps them roll neatly, and makes prep a lot less messy!
Step 5
As you roll them, place the balls onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Finally, pop the tray into the freezer for an hour to set.
Done! Easy peasy.
Substitutions and recipe variations
Swap the peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
Maple cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the oats. It gives the balls a cozy, pecan pie flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Protein boost: Stir in ¼ cup (about one scoop) of vanilla protein powder with the oats. Use a plant-based powder to keep them vegan. Protein powder dries out the mixture, so add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup until it holds together. This adds roughly 1.5 grams of protein per ball.
Maple cinnamon protein balls: Combine both variations above for a spiced, protein-packed snack.
Only have creamy peanut butter? Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of chopped peanuts with the pecans for that chunky texture. Reader Tracy tried this and said she couldn’t stop eating them!
FAQS
Energy balls offer a healthy mix of healthy fats, fiber, and good carbs that slowly release energy. They keep you full and satisfied but taste like a sweet treat.
The mixture is likely too dry. Stir in another tablespoon of peanut butter or maple syrup until it holds together when squeezed. A fresh jar of drippy natural peanut butter helps, and chilling the mixture for 10 minutes makes rolling easier.
Storage tips
To Store: Keep these pecan pie energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More energy ball recipes
If you’ve tried these pecan pie energy bites, please rate them and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. I’m always interested in feedback!
*This recipe was originally posted on November 5, 2015, updated on February 26, 2019, updated again on November 13, 2022, and updated again on October 22, 2026, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.*
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Maple Pecan Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats *certified gluten free for allergies
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chunky peanut butter *drippy, natural is best
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 3 tbsp. dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the oats, pecans, and coconut in a large bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients – peanut butter and maple syrup – and stir again.
- Stir the chocolate chips into the oat mixture.
- Using a cookie scoop, roll into heaping tablespoon-sized balls, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for an hour to set.
- Store covered in the fridge or freezer.
Video
Notes
- Peanut butter: Use a fresh jar of natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt). The oils help the balls hold together.
- If the mixture is crumbly: Stir in another tablespoon of peanut butter or maple syrup until it holds together when squeezed.
- Only have creamy peanut butter? Add 2–3 tablespoons of chopped peanuts for a chunky texture.
- Nut butter swaps: Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work.
- Maple cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg with the oats.
- Protein boost: Add ¼ cup (about one scoop) of vanilla protein powder with the oats, plus 1–2 extra tablespoons of maple syrup. Use a plant-based powder to keep them vegan.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
just a few ingredients delicious flavor. I made them today. Excellent !!!
Amazing! Thanks so much for the great feedback, Vera. 🙂
These are delish! I only had creamy peanut butter so I added chopped peanuts and pecans to the mix. I also added Lily’s zero sugar salted caramel chocolate chips. So yummy! Can’t stop eating them! 😋
I love those Lily’s chips! Great addition. 🙂 Thanks Tracy!
Mine were not binding together, so I turned them into bars in a glass pan. Am I the only one?
I find using a fresh jar of drippy natural peanut butter helps to hold them together.
That’s exactly what I used. Not sure what went wrong on my end.
These are so good! I did add sprinkle some cinnamon and nutmeg. Thank you
I love the idea of adding cinnamon! Yum! Thanks Olga 🙂
These are so good. You can’t just eat one.
I HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU HAVE GREAT RECIPES.
THANK YOU. I AM GLAD THAT I FOUND YOUR SITE
PAT
My pleasure Pat!! I’m so glad you found me too. Let me know what you try! Thank YOU.
I totally hear you – finding a new grocery shopping groove in a new city is tough! I used to shop at Marilu’s and Fortino’s in Burlington and had to totally readjust in Waterloo. I tried Zehrs since it’s a PC store, but was super unimpressed with the freshness of their produce so now I’m a Sobeys gil. I’ve also found some awesome small independent stores that sell local produce, meat, eggs and dairy!
So many adjustments that I wasn’t ready for! I’m glad it’s not just me. 😉 Still searching out local markets, etc. Enjoy your weekend Chelsea!