No-bake oats energy balls recipe. Whip up these gluten-free, vegan snack bites in just minutes no oven required. Infused with the sweet, earthy flavor of jaggery and the warm aroma of cardamom, these no-bake oats energy balls pack healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein for the perfect quick snack anytime.
Why You’ll Love These Oats Energy Balls
- High-Protein Boost: Each ball delivers protein from oats, sesame seeds, and roasted nuts. These gluten-free energy balls are perfect for post-workout or mid-afternoon fuel.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Made without wheat or dairy; ideal for gluten-sensitive and vegan eaters.
- No-Bake & Quick: Ready in 10 minutes. No baking, no mess.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Ghee-roasted nuts and sesame seeds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Natural Sweetness: Jaggery syrup replaces refined sugars, these are rich in iron and minerals.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Oats Energy Balls Recipe
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (gluten-free certified)
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- ¼ cup roasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup jaggery, finely grated
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2–3 tbsp ghee-roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, or peanuts)
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s complete detailed step by step method of how to make Oats energy balls.
1. Roast Your Dry Ingredients
- Toast Sesame Seeds:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Add sesame seeds and stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Transfer to a bowl; allow to cool.
- Toast the Oats:
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add oats.
- Stir for 2–3 minutes until they lose rawness and smell nutty.
- Let them cool completely before grinding.
- Grind Oats (Optional):
- For finer texture, pulse cooled oats in a food processor into a coarse powder.
2. Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
- Dissolve Jaggery:
- In the skillet, combine jaggery and 1 tbsp water over low heat.
- Stir until fully melted and bubbling.
- Simmer:
- Continue stirring gently for 1–2 minutes until syrup thickens slightly but remains pourable.
3. Combine & Shape
- Mix Ingredients:
- Off the heat, stir in roasted oats, sesame seeds, desiccated coconut, cardamom, and ghee-roasted nuts.
- Ensure every piece is evenly coated with syrup.
- Form the Balls:
- While mixture is still warm, lightly oil your palms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into tight balls.
- If mixture cools and becomes crumbly, warm the pan briefly and stir.
- Let Set:
- Place formed balls on parchment-lined tray.
- Allow to cool and set for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
Variations & Mix-Ins
- Chocolate-Jaggery: Stir in 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder.
- Berry Bliss: Fold in 2 tbsp chopped dried cranberries or goji berries.
- Spiced Chai: Add ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp ginger powder.
- Nut-Free: Replace nuts with extra seeds (pumpkin, chia).
- Matcha Energy Balls: Mix in 1 tsp culinary matcha powder.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Layer between parchment paper in a zip-lock bag; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw 10 minutes before serving.
- On-the-Go: Pack in small silicone cups or snack-sized containers
Troubleshooting FAQ
Q: Why aren’t my energy balls holding shape?
A: Ensure oats are fully roasted and syrup is hot when mixing. If too dry, add 1 tsp warm water.
Q: Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of jaggery?
A: Yes, but it will alter flavor and reduce minerals. For vegan honey alternative, use maple syrup (add 1 tbsp more).
Q: Are these allergy-friendly?
A: For nut-free, swap nuts for extra sesame or pumpkin seeds. Always use gluten-free oats.
Q4: How do I know when the syrup is ready?
A. It should bubble gently and coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too runny, cook 30 seconds longer; if too thick, stir in 1 tsp warm water.
More Such Recipes
Watch Video
If You like this recipe and made it Please rate the recipe. It helps us to reach more people. For the Latest updates Subscribe to Rekha’s Whatsapp. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest for more food inspirations.
No Bake Oats Energy Balls | Gluten-free, Healthy, Vegan snack
Whip up these gluten-free, no-bake oats energy balls in 10 mins. Quick, healthy vegan snack recipe loaded with jaggery, coconut, sesame & cardamom for a healthy bite!
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds roasted
- 1/4 cup jaggery
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 2-3 tbsp ghee roasted nuts
Roasting
-
Take a pan and put it on low to medium heat. Add the white sesame seeds to the pan. The pan should not be too hot, but should be kept at a low temperature.
-
Roast the sesame seeds over a low heat. Stir at regular intervals.
-
After roasting keep them aside.
-
In the same pan roast oats for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Keep them stirring you want rawness of oats gone.
-
Once roasted keep them aside to cool.
-
When Oats are cool enough grind them to make oats powder.
Making jaggery syrup
-
Combine the powdered or grated jaggery and water in the same pan or kadai.
-
Switch on heat on low.
-
Continue to mix the jaggery until it dissolves in the water.
-
Simmer the jaggery and water solution over low heat. It will begin to bubble initially.
Combing To Make Energy Balls
-
After the steps, add powdered oats, sesame seeds, coconut, dried fruits and cardamom powder into the jaggery syrup. Switch off the heat and mix it thoroughly.
-
Begin shaping the oats energy balls from the ingredients while it is still hot. If it’s too hot, wait a minute before forming the balls. To mould the balls, spread some oil or water in your palms.
-
Store these No bake Oats Energy Balls in an airtight container or serve it and enjoy.
- Sesame seeds should be roasted till they crackle and become crunchy. Make sure they don’t brown.
- Do not allow the final mixture to cool completely. Make laddu while mixture is still slightly warm to shape and bind laddu properly.
Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg