Almond Cranberry Energy Bites

$- 1 cup almonds, raw or roasted - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1 tablespoon almond butter - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips You can swap almonds for other nuts like cashews or walnuts. If you are not a fan of dried cranberries, use raisins or chopped dates instead. For sweetness, any liquid sweetener works. Try agave syrup if you want a vegan option. You can also add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. If you're looking for a protein boost, add protein powder to the mix. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by getting your food processor ready. Add 1 cup of almonds. Pulse until they are chopped. You want them coarse, not smooth like butter. Next, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Toss in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you want almond butter or dark chocolate chips, add 1 tablespoon of almond butter and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips here. Pulse until it all mixes well. The mix should be sticky enough to form balls. If it feels dry, add more honey or syrup. Now it's time to roll the mixture into bites. Take small scoops of the mix with your hands. Aim for about 1 inch in size for each ball. Roll them carefully to keep them round. Place each bite on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. Once all your bites are rolled, it's chilling time. Put the baking sheet in the fridge. Chill the bites for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up. After chilling, they are ready to eat! Store any extras in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in your fridge for up to a week. Enjoy your tasty Almond Cranberry Energy Bites! To get the right texture, pulse the almonds carefully. You want them chopped, not pureed. The mixture should feel sticky. If it’s too dry, add more honey or syrup. This helps bind the bites together. Each bite should be chewy yet firm. Store your energy bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for best results. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well. These energy bites are great for snacks or breakfast. You can take them on hikes or trips. They also work well as a sweet treat after a meal. Pair them with a piece of fruit or a glass of milk for a balanced snack. Enjoy them anytime you need a quick energy boost! Pro Tips Choose Your Nuts Wisely: Experiment with different nuts like cashews or walnuts for varied flavors and textures in your energy bites. Sweetener Substitutions: If you prefer a lower glycemic option, try using agave syrup or coconut nectar instead of honey or maple syrup. Boosting Nutritional Value: Add a scoop of protein powder or some ground flaxseed to enhance the nutritional profile of your energy bites. Storing for Freshness: For longer shelf life, consider freezing your energy bites. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Almond Cranberry Energy Bites. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet twist. A dash of orange zest can bring a fresh note. If you love chocolate, mix in cocoa powder or use dark chocolate chips. Each option gives a new flavor while keeping the same base recipe. Get creative with add-ins! You can swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits, like apricots or raisins. Nuts like walnuts or cashews are great for crunch too. If you want extra protein, add some protein powder. For a touch of spice, try nutmeg or ginger. Each choice makes your bites unique and fun. Need a gluten-free snack? Use certified gluten-free oats in your recipe. If you are vegan, stick to maple syrup instead of honey. You can also skip the almond butter if you prefer a nut-free option. Always adjust your ingredients to fit your diet. These bites can adapt to your needs and still taste amazing! To keep your almond cranberry energy bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. The fridge is best for this. They can stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the energy bites for later use. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date! These energy bites have a short shelf life when stored in the fridge. They taste best within a week. If you freeze them, they will keep their flavor and texture for a longer time. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty, healthy snack anytime! Yes, you can use other nuts. Walnuts, cashews, or pecans work well. Just chop them like the almonds. Each nut adds its own taste and texture. This lets you mix things up. You can even try a nut blend for new flavors. Yes, these energy bites are healthy. They provide protein from almonds and oats. Dried cranberries add fiber and natural sweetness. Chia seeds bring omega-3s and antioxidants. Using honey or maple syrup gives natural sugar. They are a great snack for energy without junk. These energy bites last about a week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. They can last for a couple of months in the freezer. Energy bites are simple to make and easy to customize. We discussed key ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips for the best texture and storage. You can experiment with flavor and dietary needs to find what you like best. Don’t forget to check the FAQs for common questions. Now you can create your perfect energy bites and enjoy them anytime!$

Almond Cranberry Energy Bites

Nutritious and delicious energy bites made with almonds, cranberries, and oats.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

1 cup almonds, raw or roasted
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.5 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds
0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

In a food processor, add the almonds and pulse until coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process into almond butter.
Add the dried cranberries, honey or maple syrup, rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the processed almonds. If using almond butter and chocolate chips, add them too.
Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together; if it's too dry, add a bit more honey or maple syrup.
Line a baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.
Using your hands, take small scoops of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared parchment.
Once all the mixture is rolled into balls, refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
After chilling, they are ready to enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Keyword energy bites, healthy, snack