Make 5 Different Kid-Friendly Energy Balls From One Easy Formula

For a fun after-school or lunch-box snack, make energy balls for — and with — your kids using this easy formula. Invite older children to measure the ingredients, and let little ones shape and roll the balls with just-washed hands.

Formula for Easy Energy Bites

Makes 10 to 16 balls or bites.

All You Need:

• 1 cup base ingredient, such as almond flour, crushed graham crackers, rolled oats, crisp rice cereal, or 2 cups popped popcorn
• ½ cup healthy fat, such as almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter
• ⅓ cup sweetener, such as chopped pitted dates, honey, or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup mix-ins, such as shredded carrots, chopped mini marshmallows, dried fruit, or flaxseed meal
• Coating, such as shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, crushed or chopped dried fruit, or sprinkles

All You Do:

1. Stir together base ingredient, healthy fat, sweetener, and mix-ins in a bowl. Chill 10 to 15 minutes for easier shaping.
2. Shape into 1 1/2- to 2-inch balls, then roll in coating. (Energy balls can be kept at room temperature 1 day or chilled in an airtight container up to 3 days.)

5 Kid-Friendly Energy Ball Variations