No-bake energy bites | Chocolate | Lemon | Banana

There’s something about late nights that makes the kitchen feel different. The world is quiet, the city slows down, and the hum of the fridge feels like a comforting presence. Sometimes I find myself wide awake, restless, and instead of scrolling endlessly or staring at the ceiling, I end up creating.

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That’s exactly how these energy balls came to life. What started as a midnight run (that turned into a bit of a spooky story) ended with me back in the kitchen, rolling oats, nut butter, and cocoa into little bites of comfort. Quick, no-bake, and endlessly customizable — these snacks are the perfect answer to late-night cravings, pre- or post-workout fuel, or just something to keep in the fridge for when the day catches up to you.

Disclaimer: This is not for the weak-hearted. If you're sensitive to violence and blood, please skip this section: skip.

It's 1 am and I still have too much energy… so here I am, on a run…

Even though it’s late, I take my usual route through the park. The paths are dim, but the quiet and the distance from bright city lights give me peace.

I keep only my right earphone in, balancing music with the sound of my breathing and the faint noise of the night…

…I got lost in the music, not aware of myself or the surroundings, nor how far I had run… I just move, carried by the music. I snap out of my trans as my watch updates me, “One lap completed - 1km, heart rate 168, speed 6:30.” So I look at my watch as the numbers on the small screen light up. And I notice how heavy my breathing has become. Suddenly, I’m too aware of it, of each step, each sound around me. So I shift focus, trying to take in the night… And in the next moment, I get lost in it… The noise of the leaves rustling in the wind and birds chirping in the background… A field opens up, and I notice horses, some of them lying, others running, their hooves carrying a soft echo through the air. The wind sharpens, and it smells like rain is on its way.

Another update, “lap two completed - 2km, heart rate 170, lap time 6,42.” 

I move into the wooded part of the trail and take the earphones out. The sounds are sharper now. The sound of ground crackling under my feet, rustling leaves, birds in the distance, and the noise of water crackling as I pass a stream. The rhythm of it all pulls me in, getting completely lost in it, missing the moment when nature went quiet... The wind stills. The birds are gone. Even my footsteps seem to fall without sound…

The silence presses in, heavy and strange. What was peaceful moments ago now feels unsettling. I look around… just trees. Yet the comfort of being alone has shifted into something else, a feeling of uneasiness and a sense of being watched.

I jump, startled, as my watch lights up to give me another update, “lap three completed - 3km, heart rate 175, speed 5,53”, and I realise I’ve sped up. My unease grows with every step.

Relief finally comes when the trees thin and the city lights return. “Finally,” I think to myself, as I'm exiting the wooded area. I stop under the bridge, the first bright spot in a while. I needed to catch my breath. I look back, the park is nothing but darkness, yet the uncomfortable feeling lingers. I remind myself I’m almost home, and nothing is there.

As I turn to continue my run, a sound cuts through the air behind me. Not a scream exactly, but something sharp, like a scratch tearing out of the night. Fear takes over. I run, faster than before, not daring to look back. But I can feel it, close… right behind me, waiting for me to turn back…

… I quickly locked the door behind me. Not remembering how I got here. Paralysed by fear, I lean back against the door, heart pounding. I stay at the door, unsure about my next step…

But the fear doesn’t leave. It builds again, stronger. This time, it feels like something is in front of me.

And then I hear it, the same tearing sound, and everything goes black.

Below you’ll find three variations — Chocolate, Lemon, and Banana — each with its own flavour personality. Whether you’re into rich and fudgy, light and zesty, or soft and cosy, there’s a bite-sized ball here for you.

Ingredients

Chocolate bites (10 pieces)

• 45 g rolled oats (old-fashioned or GF if needed)

• 20 g toasted unsweetened coconut flakes

• 60 g peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)35 g ground flaxseed

• 50 g honey or agave nectar

• 12 g unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1tsp chia seeds (Optional)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract 

Lemon bites (10 pieces)

• 125 g quick-cooking oats

• 60 g raw cashews 

• 28 g cashew butter

• 20 ml pure maple syrup

• 40 ml water

• Juice + zest of medium/small-sized lemon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1½ tsp poppy seeds

• Pinch of salt

Banana bites (10 pieces)

• ½ medium ripe banana

• 100 g rolled oats

• 43 g peanut butter

• 1tbsp honey

• 1tbsp mini chocolate chips

• ¼tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp flax seeds (optional)

Method

Chocolate bites

1. Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. 

2. Prepare a 15 x 15 cm pan with parchment paper. 

3. Transfer the mixture to a 15 x 15 cm pan, and spread it out evenly. Let it cool in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.

4. Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut it into cubes (about 2 to 3 cm in diameter works well).

   - If the mix seems too dry, add in an extra tablespoon of honey or peanut butter. 

   - If the mix seems too wet (which may happen if you use natural peanut butter), add a little more oatmeal.

   - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Lemon bites

1. Add the oats to a blender or food processor and blend (on a lower setting) until a fine flour forms. Add the cashews and blend again until finely ground.

2. Add the remaining ingredients (except the poppy seeds) and blend until a thick, uniform dough forms. Stir in the poppy seeds by hand, or blend briefly to combine.

3. Prepare a 15 x 15 cm pan with parchment paper. 

4. Transfer the mixture to a 15 x 15 cm pan, and spread it out evenly. Let it cool in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut it into cubes (about 2 to 3 cm in diameter works well). 

   - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, 

   - or freeze for up to 1 month. If frozen, allow to thaw for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Banana bites

1. Mash the banana in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, cinnamon, and flax seeds, and stir until evenly combined.

2. Prepare a 15 x 15 cm pan with parchment paper. 

3. Transfer the mixture to a 15 x 15 cm pan, and spread it out evenly. Let it cool in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.

4. Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut it into cubes (about 2 to 3 cm in diameter works well).

   - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!