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Quick to assemble and freezer-friendly, these chewy bites are perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, or late-night snacking. Because they rely on sunflower butter instead of peanuts, they’re a safe option for classrooms or households that avoid nuts.
I’ve been rolling variations of these oat balls for years while testing kid-friendly snacks, and this sunflower version is always the first to disappear. Give them a try, then tuck a couple into your own lunch box before the kids claim them all!
Key Flavor Makers
Only a handful of ingredients are needed to make this tasty treat. I found everything I needed at Trader Joe’s but you should be able to pick everything up at any major grocery store.
- Rolled oats – give the balls their chewy structure and mild toasted flavor.
- Sunflower butter – creamy, nut-free, and loaded with that classic “PB” richness without the peanuts.
- Mini chocolate chips – just enough sweetness dotted throughout every bite.
- Maple syrup – binds everything together and adds natural caramel notes.
- Chocolate-covered sunflower seeds (optional) – a fun, colorful coating that adds crunch and a pop of chocolate.
The really do remind me of homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!
High-Level Method
You’ll find complete directions with ingredient quantities in the recipe card below, but here’s a summary.
- Mix oats, sunflower butter, chocolate chips, and maple syrup in a large bowl until the oats are fully coated.
- Butter your palms to prevent sticking, then press and roll portions of dough into tight 1-inch balls.
- Finish by rolling each ball in chocolate-covered sunflower seeds or simply pressing a few on top.
- Chill or store. They’re ready to eat right away, but a quick visit to the fridge firms them up.
Recipe Tips
If the mixture feels dry, drizzle in another spoonful of maple syrup to help everything bind.
Too sticky? Stir in another tablespoon of oats.
Press the dough firmly while shaping; light pressure won’t compact the oats and the balls can crumble.
Swap mini chips for chopped dried fruit or seeds when you want a different flavor profile.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Keep oat balls in an airtight container at room temperature for three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
They freeze beautifully – just spread them on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They thaw in minutes and stay pleasantly chewy.
FAQs
This recipe is definitely easy enough to have the kids help, but I have gotten a few questions.
Quick oats work in a pinch, though the texture will be softer and less chewy than rolled oats.
Yes. A light coating of butter (or coconut oil) keeps the mixture from sticking and helps form tight, clean spheres.
Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and you’re set; all other ingredients are naturally free of dairy.
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Pin ItNo Bake Oat Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup sunflower butter
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup
- butter to coat hands
- 1/2 cup chocolate covered sunflower seeds optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Combine 2 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup sunflower butter, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, and 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup in large bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Coat palms of hands liberally with butter. Grab a small handful of the mixture and squeeze and shape into a ball. Repeat until finished.
- Optional: roll finished ball in 1/2 cup chocolate covered sunflower seeds. I had a very hard time getting them to stick, so another option would be to incorporate them into the mixture.
- Store at room temperature in an air tight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The kids are at home these days because of the quarantine so it’s hard to find time to make complicated treats! Glad this no-bake treats came to my attention. Problem solved!
This is such an easy recipe, and it’s so colorful and fun for the kids so they end up eating healthier snack.
My new favorite snack! Yum!
These are a perfect afternoon snack! So easy to make!
Love how simple and tasty these look! Looks like the perfect healthy snack to keep on hand around the house, thanks for sharing!
Love this recipe! Will make all the time. I’ll try with peanut butter too. I found the candy coated sunflower seeds at Trader Joes. Thank you for posting!
I will try coating my hands with coconut oil instead of butter. Will make this recipe . Searched till I found the rainbow chocolate sunflower.