First things first, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Make sure your banana is ripe for maximum sweetness and easy pureeing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, puree the ripe banana until smooth. Add in the almond or peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together.
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips (and shredded coconut if using) until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the energy bites on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Once all the bites are formed, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
After chilling, your No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Energy Bites are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.