No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy Gluten Free) – a delicious bite sized sweet treat made from clean ingredients with heart healthy omega 3s!

bowl of energy bites

A common misconception about clean eating is that desserts are taboo. Let me clarify. Eating clean means making mindful choices and avoiding processed junk as much as possible, but it doesn’t have to mean total avoidance of all indulgences.  All or nothing diets NEVER work because they simply aren’t sustainable over the long haul. Which is why my philosophy is to indulge only occasionally so I never feel deprived. Treats and sweets can be enjoyed in moderation, especially when they are homemade with real ingredients and unrefined sugars. Rather than go for a package of store-bought cookies, why not make your own equally yummy, sweet snack using whole, healthy ingredients?! Check out this list of my favorite Heart Healthy Desserts to get started!

I created this recipe for No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites with Omega 3-rich ingredients (walnuts and flax) so I can satisfy my sweet craving while still feeling good about what I’m putting in my body.

What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Why Are They Important?

Fatty acids are building bocks for our cell membranes.  When we ingest healthy fats, they provide a source of energy, aid in absorption of vitamins, and make us feel full longer.  We need a balance of different fats for optimal health, but Omega 3s are a type of fatty acids that play a special role, and also happen to be lacking in the general American diet. Higher levels of Omega 3s may promote heart health by lowering triglycerides and cholesterol. They are thought to be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, preventing disease and for promoting brain function and preventing dementia and Alzheimers.

Food Sources of Omega 3s

Regularly adding any of these foods to our diet is a giant step towards good health!

Fatty fish (wild salmon and trout, sardines, mackarel, etc) – Garlic Herb Salmon Foil Packets with Potatoes  is a favorite dinner recipe

Flaxseed – try adding to smoothies and energy bites

Walnuts – try them in homemade Mixed Herb Pesto

Chia seeds – add to smoothies, smoothie bowls, salads, etc.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Ground walnuts

Flaxseed

Natural crunchy peanut butter (or creamy peanut butter)

Whole Oats

Pure Honey

Vanilla extract

Mini Chocolate Chips

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites

Begin by placing walnuts in a food processor and pulsing until they are a crumb like texture.

Combine the ground walnuts with the remaining ingredients and roll the mixture into small, bite sized balls.

The dough will be slightly sticky and the bites will need to be refrigerated to set them up.

Store them in the refrigerator.

Recipe Tips

Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar.

Substitute other add-ins for the chocolate chips. Raisins and dried cranberries are a great option.

If you are avoiding dairy, try Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter in place of the peanut butter?

Sure – creamy natural peanut butter, almond butter, or mixed nut butter would all work well in this recipe.

Can these be frozen?

Yes! I often make a double batch and store some in the freezer for later. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container or bag for optimal freshness and thaw in the refrigerator when ready to eat.

 Are oats heart healthy?

Oats are rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan), which is believed to help reduce bad cholesterol.

More Healthy Treat Recipes

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

No Bake Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Protein Bites

Nutty Oatmeal Cranberry Energy Bites

Mint Chocolate Chip Energy Bars

Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Grain Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters with Sea Salt

 

 

no bake oat bites in glass container

no bake peanut butter chocolate oat bites

No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (Heart Healthy)

Servings: 24 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Dessert, snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: energy balls, gluten free snacks, healthy treats, high in omega threes
5 from 8 votes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup oats
  • 3/4 cup ground walnuts, see tip below
  • 1/2 cup natural crunchy peanut butter, see tip
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir together.
  • Using your hands roll into one inch balls and place on baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

*To make ground walnuts, place walnuts in a mini food processor and pulse until they are a crumb like size and texture.
*Look for peanut butter that does not have added sugar (in the ingredient list)

Nutrition

Calories: 60kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 35mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg

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