These Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are tasty little snacks packed with goodness! They mix crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and a bit of honey for a perfect pick-me-up.
They’re super easy to make, and I love having them on hand for a quick energy boost during the day. Just roll, chill, and enjoy! Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They provide a hearty base and are great for energy. Quick oats are a fine substitute but may make the bites a bit softer.
Dried Cranberries: They add a nice sweetness and chewiness. If you’re avoiding sugar, try unsweetened cherries or raisins instead.
Raw Almonds: Nuts are rich in healthy fats. You could swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
Almond Butter: It gives these bites a creamy texture. Peanut butter works well too, or try sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative!
Honey/Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup. For lower sugar, consider a sugar-free syrup.
How Do I Make Sure My Energy Bites Hold Together?
Getting that perfect texture is key for energy bites! After mixing your ingredients, you want them sticky enough to roll into balls. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a touch more almond butter or honey to bind it. Chilling helps set the mixture, too.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients well; make sure everything is coated.
- If the mix is too sticky, chill for a bit before rolling.
- Roll tightly to form balls; this helps them stay together.
Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect; practice makes it easier! Enjoy snacking guilt-free!
How to Make Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
- ½ cup raw almonds, chopped roughly
- ½ cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. So, in total, set aside about 45 minutes to make these delicious energy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped dried cranberries, chopped almonds, and chia seeds if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a smaller bowl, mix together the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly, making sure all the ingredients are coated and the mixture is sticky enough to hold together.
4. Roll Into Balls:
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make rolling easier.
5. Chill the Energy Bites:
Place the rolled energy bites on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
6. Store and Enjoy:
Once they’re chilled, your energy bites are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoy these tasty, nutritious snacks any time you need a quick energy boost!
Can I Use Different Nuts or Seeds?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute almonds with any nut you prefer, such as walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them roughly for the right texture!
What Can I Substitute for Honey or Maple Syrup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to honey or maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or any sugar-free syrup if you want to lower the sugar content.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store the energy bites in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you plan to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them for longer storage; just ensure you separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or various seeds for increased nutrition and flavor. Just ensure that the overall mixture remains sticky enough to form into balls.