Joanna Gaines Loves to Make This Snack Every Fall

Joanna Gaines has always said that because a snack is sweet doesn’t mean it has to be unhealthy. That’s why I went searching through Joanna’s blog, Magnolia, for ideas on fall snacks that we’d be happy to serve our kids—and happy to sneak for ourselves.

I found Joanna’s recipe for a treat she calls Power Balls, which taste like cookie dough but are super-high in fibre and protein. What better way to tempt the kids away from junk food than a healthy treat with peanut butter and chocolate chips?

Joanna’s formula for guilt-free snacking

Joanna’s Power Balls recipe is about one-third oats (think: fibre and complex carbs), one-third nut butters (she uses peanut and almond) and seeds (flax and chia) and one-third coconut and chocolate with a touch of honey, cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup flax seed
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup organic peanut butter
• 1/2 cup organic almond butter
• 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

The prep

1. Mix together all of the dry ingredients (the first five) in one medium bowl. Mix together all of the wet ingredients (everything else) in another medium bowl.
2. Once both mixtures have an even texture, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture while continuously stirring.
3. Scoop out the mixture and shape into 1-inch balls. (A large kitchen spoon is great to use for rounding out the shape, or you can just use your hands.)
4. Last but not least, pop your energy bites into the refrigerator so they stay firm until they’re ready to be eaten.

Joanna’s pro tip: If the mixture is too gooey, try putting it in the fridge for 20-25 minutes. (Prepping more snacks for the week ahead? These no-bake energy ball recipes are super easy to make in advance.)

The takeaway

With only a handful of ingredients, Joanna’s recipe is a cinch and it’s also super customizable. It’s easy to substitute another nut butter for the peanut butter. It’s also easy to toss in a handful of coconut flakes to taste. For an extra boost, Joanna recommends adding 1 tablespoon of vanilla protein powder. You could even add raisins or any of your favourite dried fruits!

Next, check out the best allergy-free snacks for kids.