Appetizers

Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

Name: Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup dried cherries; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter); 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup flax seeds; 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; a pinch of salt

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These Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites are a quick, no-bake snack that’s sweet, tart, and lightly chewy. They taste like a chewy oatmeal cookie with bright cherry notes and a hint of chocolate if you choose to add chips. The texture is pleasantly dense from the nut butter and flax, with chewy pieces of dried fruit in every bite. If you enjoy similar handheld snacks, try this cranberry-pistachio energy bites for a nutty twist.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (chilling to set)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: about 18 bites
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1 energy bite, based on 18 servings):

Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 60 mg

Why Make This Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

These bites are fast, portable, and require no baking. They are perfect for mornings on the go, a mid-afternoon energy boost, or a healthy dessert. The dried cherries add tart fruit flavor while the cranberries bring a sweet-tart balance. Nut butter binds everything together and adds creaminess and protein. Flax seeds add a subtle nuttiness and extra fiber. They smell faintly of vanilla and toasted oats, and the chocolate chips (if used) add small pockets of melty sweetness.

How to Make Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

This recipe is straightforward: measure, mix, shape, and chill. No special equipment needed — a bowl and a spoon or your hands will do. Chilling firms the mixture so the bites hold together and develop a slightly firmer texture.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Measure all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If your dried cherries are large, chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cherries, dried cranberries, nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), flax seeds, chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir with a spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated and the mixture looks uniform.

Step 3: Cooking

If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm it up. This makes shaping easier and helps the bites hold together.

Step 4: Finishing

Once the dough is manageable, use your hands to roll small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the energy bites on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

Serve chilled or at room temperature. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or with yogurt for a quick snack. For a post-workout bite, serve with a glass of milk or a protein shake. Stack them in a small container for lunchboxes or travel.

How to Store Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Tip: If you like softer bites, let chilled bites sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites

Choose the right texture: Use natural nut butter for a softer, more flexible dough; use thicker commercial nut butter if you want denser bites.
Balance sweetness: If you use sweetened dried cranberries, taste before adding additional sweetener. Maple syrup gives a slightly richer flavor than honey and is vegan.
Chop large fruit: Chop large dried cherries so you don’t get oversized pieces that make shaping difficult.
Add extras: Toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon can boost flavor and texture.
Consistent size: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform bites that set evenly.
Prevent sticking: Dust your hands with a little oats if the dough clings to your palms.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Cherry: Increase chocolate chips to 1/3 cup and add 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter for a nut-free option.
Superseed: Add 1–2 tbsp chia seeds for extra omega-3s and texture.
Tropical Twist: Swap dried cherries and cranberries for dried mango and pineapple; add shredded coconut.
Spiced Apple: Replace cherries with chopped dried apples and add 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bites does this recipe make?
- Expect about 16–20 one-inch bites depending on exact size. I recommend using a small scoop for consistent portions.
Can I replace honey with maple syrup?
- Yes. Maple syrup works well and makes the recipe vegan-friendly. Texture and sweetness are similar; you may notice a slightly different flavor.
Can I make these nut-free?
- Yes. Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead of almond/peanut butter. The consistency will be similar and the bites will still hold.
Can I bake these to make them firmer?
- Baking is not necessary and can dry them out. Chilling is the preferred method to firm them while keeping a chewy texture.
How do I stop the bites from falling apart?
- Ensure you use enough nut butter and sweetener to bind the dry ingredients. If they are crumbly, add 1–2 tbsp more nut butter or a splash of maple syrup, then chill again.
Can I reduce the sugar?
- You can reduce the honey/maple syrup slightly and use unsweetened dried fruit or reduce chocolate chips. Keep in mind that sweetener also helps bind the mixture.
How long do they last in the freezer?
- Up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer first, then store in a sealed bag to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cranberry Energy Bites are a simple, flavorful snack you can make in under an hour. They offer a chewy texture, bright fruit flavors, and a little chocolate if you like, making them perfect for snacks, lunches, or quick energy before workouts. For another idea with similar flavors and textures, see this recipe for Cranberry, Pecan, and Cherry Raw Energy Bites which highlights pecans and raw preparation. Give these a try—you’ll have a tasty, portable snack ready in no time.