Chia Seed Oat No Bake Balls

Chia Seed Oat No Bake Balls. I have to admit that I was quite surprised how tasty these little guys were! I have a sweet tooth but I admit that I am not as "healthy" as I would like to be. I usually don't care for all the low-carb desserts, organic & raw desserts, etc. I am a hillbilly girl at heart and I like a HEARTY DESSERT! (I try my best to use organic and raw ingredients in my recipes when possible but they are usually mixed in with other decadent ingredients so they aren't always the healthiest recipes...although tasty!) However, this recipe is not only pretty healthy...it is really delicious, easy to make and you don't have to heat up your kitchen to make them!

My sister-in-law (Becky) shared the recipe with me because they are gluten free. I know that chia seeds are healthy but until now...I haven't tried them. I was surprised how much I like them! They remind me of poppy seeds. It adds a nice little crunch. (They will swell up and get a jelly-like texture if you put them in water but they hold their crunch in this recipe). These chia seed oat no bake balls remind me of oatmeal cookie dough. The flavors explode your mouth! I love all the flavors in this recipe and I love how easy it is to prepare. I personally could justify this as a breakfast treat too! It has oats, chia seeds, honey, almond butter...how healthy is that? We add the chopped up chocolate chips but you can omit that if you want. I really like how you can actually taste the honey in this recipe. Many recipes that call for honey...the flavor gets hidden from the other ingredients. I am pretty sure if you have a honey allergy then you can substitute Agave nectar for similar results. I bought my ingredients at my local Trader Joe's grocery store. I found that they were considerably less expensive than some of the specialty stores. They have a decent selection of gluten free, raw & organic items.

I made a batch of these yesterday and my grand-daughter (age 2) really liked them! My husband and her were sitting on the couch watching "FROZEN" Disney movie and eating these little treats. I figure it was healthier than cookies and ice cream! ;) Since I keep them in the refrigerator...she asks for a "cold cookie". Kids are just too cute!

Chia Seed Oat No Bake Balls Recipe:

• 1 cup dry oats (I used Trader Joe's brand that is gluten free). You can use either the quick oats or the rolled oats. I like the texture of rolled oats so I try to use them. 
• 2/3 cup unsweetened coconut, optional
• 1/2 cup all natural almond butter (you can substitute all natural peanut butter or cashew butter instead. I get the one with no added sugar or minimal added sugar since the honey will sweeten these up a lot. 
• 1/2 cup chia seeds, whole
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate (the original recipe called for 1/2 cup chocolate chips but I only used 1/4 cup since I chopped mine up really fine so it could blend into recipe. I thought it was plenty sweet enough and didn't miss the other 1/4 cup). You can leave this out if you don't want to add it. Sometimes I add it, sometimes I don't. 
• 1/3 cup honey (I like to use organic, raw honey)
• 1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract, optional (I didn't add today)
• You can also add a little protein powder if you desire for extra protein

This is what the "dough" looks like

Combine all ingredients together with a spoon. Refrigerate for about 1 hour before rolling into balls. I store mine in refrigerator in an airtight container. That is it. How easy is that? Reminds me of a yummy breakfast cookie! If the texture feels a little dry then add a little more almond butter or peanut butter. If it is too moist then add a little more oats. Depending on brands, you may have to play with it a little bit to get the desired texture for rolling into balls. You can also add more or less of a certain ingredients depending on your taste preference or what you have in your cupboards. Feel free to add raisins, cranberries or anything else!

Up close view of the Chia Seed Oat No Bake Balls

Rolling them up and ready to eat!

Can you eat just one?

Ready to eat!

 

Biting into the ball. The evenly distributed deliciousness is amazing!

Not only is this a delicious little snack that tastes like cookie dough but it also is awesome on a brunch table. Yes, how delicious are these with a cup of coffee? I am eating one now with my coffee for breakfast. I love how the flavors pop. You can probably press them into a pan and cut into bars for a granola bar but honestly...they are so much fun just popping the little balls into your mouth! :)

I also have some stashed in the refrigerator for the "after the pool swim" for my husband and grand-daughter for this afternoon. I think they will find them refreshing after the outside heat today! Nice and chilled "cookies".

I haven't had time to experiment with this recipe much. I really like the original recipe so I don't think it needs changed. However, you could use any type nut butter instead of almond butter if you prefer. You can also use ground nuts, finely chopped dried fruit or whatever else you want to add to these in place of coconut and/or chocolate chips (Just like you would for cookies or granola bars). However...I like this basic recipe.

Feel free to add any comments on any substitutions you made to the recipe!

Stay cool in this summer heat!
Tanja
Gluten Free Casually