Trail mix is out — and energy balls are in! 

And, yes, you can make them easily at home.

This highly adaptable recipe — shared with permission from Maggie Brereton’s DIY blog, SmashedPeasandCarrots.com — is one of the most popular versions from the food blogosphere.

No-Bake Energy Bites

1 cup oatmeal

½ cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

⅓ cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

½ cup ground flaxseed

½ cup mini chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl.

Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Roll into balls and serve.

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

Makes about 20 bites

Variations: This recipe is extremely flexible. If you don’t like coconut or flaxseed, you can substitute crushed cereal, wheat germ or other dry ingredients. It also works to substitute raisins, cranberries, goji berries or crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) for the chocolate chips.