While the name conjures images of muscle-bound gym rats, peanut butter energy bites are for anyone who wants a sweet treat that’s healthy too.

There are lots of versions out there, and most rely on the goodness of nuts and honey. Once that sticky base comes together, a variety of ingredients can be added, including oats, dried fruit or flaked coconut. As a bonus, they are gluten-free and easy enough for children to assemble, although they may need help with the measuring.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

From the National Honey Board, honey.com
Yield: Makes 15 servings, each serving is 2 bites

1/2 cup peanuts, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, divided
1/3 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup almond flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2 tablespoons peanut butter powder
2/3 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons almond or soy milk

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment or wax paper. Place chopped peanuts in a small bowl, set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of the oats, flax seed, almond flour, cocoa, peanut butter powder and 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips. Pulse several times until it resembles coarse meal.
3. Add the peanut butter, honey and almond milk to the oat mixture and process until the mixture comes together.
4. Transfer the oat mixture to a large bowl and mix in the remaining oats and chocolate chips, your hands work best for this!
5. Scoop out 1-inch clusters of the mixture and roll into balls with your hands. Then dip the bites in the finely chopped peanuts. Place each ball on the sheet pan. Chill in the refrigerator until the bites are chilled and set. Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage.

TIP: You can substitute the peanuts, peanut butter powder and peanut butter for almonds, additional almond flour and almond butter.

Peanut Butter Coconut Energy Bites

Yield: Makes about 2 dozen bites

1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sweetened, flaked coconut, divided
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup raisins

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment or wax paper. Place 2 tablespoons coconut in a small bowl, set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup coconut, peanut butter, honey, cocoa, cinnamon and raisins.
3. Scoop out 1-inch portions of the mixture and form into balls with your hands. Roll the bites in the reserved coconut and place on the sheet pan.
4. Chill in the refrigerator until the bites are set. Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage.