Classic Peanut Butter & Oat Energy Bites

For any hiker, there’s one feeling we all know: the mid-afternoon energy crash. It’s that moment on the trail when your legs feel like lead, and the thought of another uphill section is almost too much.

This is when you reach for a snack, but so many commercial energy bars are packed with sugar, leading to a quick spike followed by an even bigger crash.

This recipe is the answer. These classic peanut butter and oat energy bites are the quintessential, no-fuss hiking snack.

They are the perfect balance of everything your body needs for sustained performance: healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter, and slow-release, complex carbohydrates from the rolled oats.

The chia seeds add a boost of fibre, and the honey or maple syrup provides just enough quick-release energy to get you going again.

Best of all, they are no-bake, easy to make in 15 minutes at home, and taste like a delicious, wholesome, chewy flapjack. Make a batch before your trip, and you’ll have the perfect, pop-in-your-mouth fuel for the trail.

The Recipe

Variations & Tips

• Add a Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of your favourite vanilla or unflavoured protein powder with the dry ingredients.
• Make it Nut-Free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
• The “Trail Mix” Version: For a bit of extra indulgence, swap the dried cranberries for mini chocolate chips and add a tablespoon of chopped peanuts or almonds.

Packing & Storage

• At Home: These energy bites will last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• On the Trail: For a day hike or multi-day trip, pack them in a small reusable bag or a sturdy, crush-proof container. They will be perfectly fine in your pack for 2-3 days (if they last that long!).

Paul Steele

Paul Steele is the founder and lead guide of BaldHiker. A veteran of the British Army, he channels his extensive experience in leadership, navigation, and outdoor safety into every adventure he creates. He started BaldHiker in 2010 to share his lifelong passion for the outdoors and now leads guided walks and wellbeing retreats across the UK and beyond. His mission is to help people discover the joy and restorative power of nature with confidence and a spirit of adventure.