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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) These ingredients create a tasty and healthy snack. Rolled oats serve as the base. They provide fiber and energy, helping you feel full. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein. You can choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Dried cherries give a sweet and tangy kick. Dark chocolate chips add richness and joy. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, while sea salt balances it all. Chia seeds are optional but boost nutrition. Each serving has about 150 calories. It has 5 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbs. You get vitamins from cherries and minerals from oats. These bites are great for a quick snack or fuel for your day. Benefits of oats: They support heart health and digestion. Oats are rich in fiber, making them great for energy. Advantages of almond butter: It contains healthy fats and protein. Almond butter helps keep you full longer. Nutritional value of dried cherries: They are high in antioxidants. Dried cherries may help reduce inflammation and improve sleep. For the full recipe, check the main article. To start, you need to mix the base ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir these together until they blend well. This step forms the heart of your energy bites. Next, add in the fun stuff! Toss in: - 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) Fold everything gently. You want even distribution of cherries and chocolate. Chilling the mixture is key. It helps the bites hold shape when you roll them. Place the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes. After chilling, use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step keeps them from sticking. For even sizing, use a small cookie scoop. This tool helps create uniform balls, so they cook evenly. If you want, you can use a food processor to mix the ingredients. Just pulse until combined. This method saves time and makes the mixture smooth. To keep your energy bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their flavor and texture. You can place them in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. To ensure a uniform texture, mix the ingredients well. I recommend using a sturdy spoon or spatula. Make sure each bite has a good mix of cherries and chocolate. This way, every bite is both tasty and satisfying. One common mistake is overmixing or undermixing the ingredients. If you overmix, the texture can become too dense. If you undermix, some bites may lack flavor. Aim for a good balance. Not chilling the mixture long enough can also be an issue. Chilling helps the bites hold their shape. I suggest refrigerating the mix for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This will make forming the balls much easier. You can add spices to boost the flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. If you want a different twist, try adding a dash of cayenne for heat. If you're looking for healthier sweeteners, consider using agave syrup or stevia. These options can lower the sugar content. Just remember to adjust the quantity accordingly, as they can be sweeter than honey or maple syrup. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for variations. {{image_2}} You can switch out almond butter for other nut butters. Try peanut butter or cashew butter. Each option will give a unique taste. If you have nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter. It works well and tastes great. For dried fruits, think beyond cherries. You can use cranberries, raisins, or apricots. Each fruit adds flavor and texture. Dried blueberries are also a fun choice. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Want to spice things up? You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can give a warm flavor. This makes the bites more interesting and tasty. If you like chocolate, try different types. Use milk chocolate for sweetness or white chocolate for creaminess. Each chocolate type will change the bites in a fun way. Explore these flavors to find your perfect match! Making these energy bites vegan is simple. Just replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while keeping it plant-based. For gluten-free bites, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Most oats are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label. If you want a keto-friendly version, swap out honey for a low-carb sweetener. You can also reduce the oats to lower the carbs. Adjusting the recipe helps fit various diets without losing taste! To keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and keeps the bites from drying out. You want them to stay soft and tasty. If you want to save your energy bites for later, freezing works great. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To defrost, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. They will be ready to eat again. In the fridge, these energy bites last about one week. After that, they may start to lose their flavor and texture. Signs of spoilage include an off smell or changes in color. If you see any mold, you should throw them away. Always check before you bite! Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites last about one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it's best to toss them. For longer storage, freeze them. Yes, you can freeze Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just take out what you need and let them thaw in the fridge. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use peanut butter or sun butter. Both options work well and add their unique flavor. Just keep in mind that this may change the taste slightly. Yes, these energy bites are healthy. They include whole ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits. They provide fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, making them a great snack. Plus, they are free from artificial additives. Yes, adding protein powder is a great idea! It boosts the protein content. Use about one to two scoops, depending on your needs. This addition may slightly change the texture, so you might want to add a touch more almond butter or honey. For the full recipe, check the details earlier. In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients for making Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites. You can mix oats, almond butter, and dried cherries for a tasty snack. I also shared the steps to prepare, chill, and roll these bites. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overmixing. You can customize flavors and store them properly to last longer. These energy bites are a healthy treat packed with nutrients. I hope you find joy in making and sharing these snacks. They are simple, fun, and delicious!

Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

Looking for a quick and tasty snack? Try these Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites! Packed with rolled oats, almond butter, and delicious dried cherries, they make a perfect pick-me-up. Easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, these no-bake treats are perfect for on-the-go energy. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to this delightful and nutritious snack!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.

    Add the chopped dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, sea salt, and chia seeds (if using) to the mixture. Fold everything together until evenly distributed.

      Once combined, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.

        After chilling, use your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) from the mixture. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

          Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: Approximately 12 energy bites