Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe

Picture this: I’m whipping up a batch of these incredible Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls, and it’s like discovering a secret snack hack that makes healthy taste like a guilty pleasure!

Creating recipes that are both tasty and wholesome is something I love to do, and my Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls are a great example of the kind of outcome I usually achieve. Packed with whole rolled oats, a ripe banana, and fresh strawberries, these no-bake energy bites couldn’t be easier or more delicious to whip up.

Their sweetness is perfectly balanced by the amount of almond butter I use, which brings just the right amount of nuttiness and creaminess to the dish. If you have any small children, they’ll love these too.

Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: High in fiber, they promote heart health and sustained energy.
• Ripe Banana: Adds natural sweetness and provides potassium for muscle function.
• Fresh Strawberries: Bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re refreshing and juicy.
• Almond/Peanut Butter: Rich in protein and healthy fats for sustained energy release.
• Honey/Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners offering quick energy and subtle sweetness.

Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
• 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is smooth and evenly blended.

2. Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly, making sure the oats are completely finished with the wet coating.

3. Softly incorporate the freshly diced strawberries into the mixture so that they are evenly dispersed throughout.

4. Put the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps the mixture firm up so it can be rolled into balls more easily.

5. After the mixture has cooled, take it from the refrigerator. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet or a large plate.

6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and quickly roll the mixture into balls between the palms of your hands. You want to aim for around 1-inch diameter balls.

7. Put the prepared oat balls on the parchment-lined plate or sheet. Do this until the whole mixture is used.

8. If you wish, place the balls in the refrigerator for an additional 10-15 minutes so they can firm up even more.

9. Serve at once or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

10. Savor the Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls as a speedy nosh or virtuous candy!

Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Plastic wrap or a bowl cover
5. Knife and cutting board
6. Refrigerator
7. Baking sheet or large plate
8. Parchment paper
9. Spoon or cookie scoop

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? A: Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
• Q: Are there any substitutes for almond butter or peanut butter? A: You can use sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Q: Can I make these oat balls vegan? A: Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey to make them completely vegan.
• Q: How should I store the oat balls? A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Q: Can I add other ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips? A: Absolutely, feel free to add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Q: Are these oat balls gluten-free? A: They are, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Strawberry And Banana Oat Balls Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Rolled oats: Replace with quick oats or a combination of half rolled oats and half quinoa flakes for a unique texture.
Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato as an alternative to ripe banana that has been mashed.
Diced fresh strawberries. Instead, use diced fresh raspberries or blueberries to bring a different flavor profile altogether.
Sunflower seed butter or cashew butter: Substitute for nut allergies or different tastes.
Agave syrup or date syrup can be used as alternative sweeteners instead of honey or maple syrup.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance flavor, consider toasting the rolled oats in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture. This will give the oats a nutty aroma and slightly crispy texture.

2. When mixing in the diced strawberries, try not to over-mix, as this can cause them to release excess juice and make the mixture too wet. Gently fold them in just until they are evenly distributed.

3. For added crunch and a nutritional boost, you may include a tablespoon or two of chia seeds or flaxseeds. These seeds will also help the balls hold their shape.

4. If the mixture feels too sticky when rolling into balls, lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, even shaping.

5. Customize the recipe by adding a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut or a handful of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.