Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a protein packed recipe that you can store in your freezer for a healthy and convenient snack or breakfast. Loaded with wholesome foods like chia seeds, ground flaxseed, peanut butter and almonds, they have plenty of protein, fiber and healthy fats to fill you up and give you the energy you need to conquer your day!
Healthy Energy Bites
I am not a big breakfast person, in the sense that I am not going to wake up early to go cook some eggs and bacon before work. I usually grab a pre-packaged breakfast bar or muffin at the store before I head into work.
I wanted to make a healthier option without all the preservatives so I made a batch of these Cranberry Almond Energy Bites. I bagged up these little nuggets of goodness in storage bags and popped them in the freezer.
How to Make Cranberry Energy Balls
I love that these protein packed balls are so easy to make. Toast up your coconut and almonds in the oven and toss them with everything else in a large bowl. If you are short on time, you can skip the toasting step, but it does add a better flavor to the final recipe.
When everything is mixed up well, scoop these out into one inch balls and roll them together between your hands. You will want to work while the mixture is still warm because once it starts to cool, the mixture will dry and be more difficult to work with.
If you find that the mixture is a little too dry to start with, just microwave a little bit more peanut butter and add it to the mix.
Easy Snack Recipe Prep
As I am rushing out the door before work I grab a couple of these from the freezer and by the time I get to my desk they are thawed and ready for me to enjoy! This is the beauty of meal prepping.
If I am in a pinch for a quick snack or want a couple for breakfast on the weekend, I can just pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds. These are also great at the end of the work day so I have the energy to get through my workout at the gym.
In addition to these Cranberry Almond Energy Bites,I like to mix things up with these Blueberry Dark Chocolate Energy Bites or Monster Energy Bites. They make for one of my favorite healthy snacks!
I am putting more effort into planning ahead with my food for the week. I find that if I have healthy and delicious options like this already prepped and on hand, I am much more likely to make smart choices throughout the hectic work week. What are some of your best tips for staying on track?
More Healthy Snack Recipes!
- Fruit & Chocolate Tray
- Blueberry Dark Chocolate Superfood Trail Mix
- Strawberry Salsa
- Skinny Peanut Butter Frozen Whips
- Spicy Kale Chips
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 c. oatmeal
- 1/3 c. almonds chopped
- 1/3 c. sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed optional
- 1/2 c. nut butter peanut or almond are both good
- 1/4 c. honey
- 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1/3 c. dried cranberries roughly chopped
Instructions
- Bake oatmeal, almonds and coconut for 8-10 minutes at 350°, stirring after 5 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool.
- In a medium bowl microwave the nut butter for 20-30 seconds until runny, add the baked mix along with flaxseed, honey, chia seeds and cranberries to the bowl. Form into 1.5" balls and refrigerate. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week or freezer for 3 months.
Rachel says
Do you have to use instant oatmeal? Or can I use plain rolled oats instead?
Rachel says
Do you have to use instant oatmeal? Or can I use plain rolled oats instead?
Linda says
These are wonderful! I added 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Yummy!!!
Danielle Green says
Oooo, that sounds like a wonderful addition, I will have to try that!
Cathy Larkin says
what type of oats do you use? I just bought steel cut oats to have for breakfast cereal, which are different from the rolled oats. Would it work or would i need to do something different? thanks . I do have both types of oats, so I can do it either way.
Danielle Green says
Steel cut oats should work just fine. Quick oats are really the only thing you would want to avoid.
Leslie559 says
Why avoid quick oats? That’s what I just bought. I know you said your prefer ‘instant oats: you mean the ones in the packets?
Danielle Green says
Quick oats are going to give you a different texture seeing they are ground up. You can use them, you will just get a different texture.
Heidi McIndoo says
I’m confused. You mention in response to an earlier question you’ve used both instant and old fashioned oats and you prefer instant oats for this recipe. But above you say avoid quick oats because texture would be different but steel cut oats would work. Quick and old fashioned are the most similar in texture. Steel cut are like little hard nuggets and instant and very finely chopped
I would think either old fashioned or quick would be best in this.
Here’s a good image of difference
https://www.quakeroats.com/oats-do-more/why-oats/the-difference-between-our-oats
Cathy Larkin says
what type of oats do you use? I just bought steel cut oats to have for breakfast cereal, which are different from the rolled oats. Would it work or would i need to do something different? thanks . I do have both types of oats, so I can do it either way.
Cathy Larkin says
what type of oats do you use? I just bought steel cut oats to have for breakfast cereal, which are different from the rolled oats. Would it work or would i need to do something different? thanks . I do have both types of oats, so I can do it either way.
Cathy Larkin says
what type of oats do you use? I just bought steel cut oats to have for breakfast cereal, which are different from the rolled oats. Would it work or would i need to do something different? thanks . I do have both types of oats, so I can do it either way.
Cathy Larkin says
what type of oats do you use? I just bought steel cut oats to have for breakfast cereal, which are different from the rolled oats. Would it work or would i need to do something different? thanks . I do have both types of oats, so I can do it either way.
Debbie says
These are delicious! I’ve tried them with natural peanut butter and with regular peanut butter, and while the latter nukes better and is easier to mix in with the other ingredients and shape the balls, it is saltier.
Debbie says
These are delicious! I’ve tried them with natural peanut butter and with regular peanut butter, and while the latter nukes better and is easier to mix in with the other ingredients and shape the balls, it is saltier.
Debbie says
These are delicious! I’ve tried them with natural peanut butter and with regular peanut butter, and while the latter nukes better and is easier to mix in with the other ingredients and shape the balls, it is saltier.
Debbie says
These are delicious! I’ve tried them with natural peanut butter and with regular peanut butter, and while the latter nukes better and is easier to mix in with the other ingredients and shape the balls, it is saltier.
Debbie says
These are delicious! I’ve tried them with natural peanut butter and with regular peanut butter, and while the latter nukes better and is easier to mix in with the other ingredients and shape the balls, it is saltier.
Sylvia Maunder says
In New Zealand a Coeliac cannot eat oats. Do you have any suggestions for a GF substitute for those.
Danielle - The Creative Bite says
From what I understand they make some oats that are guaranteed gluten-free.
sylvie says
Delicious !! however I recommend to use unsweetened coconut unless you have a sweet tooth !
sylvie says
Delicious !! however I recommend to use unsweetened coconut unless you have a sweet tooth !
sylvie says
Delicious !! however I recommend to use unsweetened coconut unless you have a sweet tooth !
sylvie says
Delicious !! however I recommend to use unsweetened coconut unless you have a sweet tooth !
sylvie says
Delicious !! however I recommend to use unsweetened coconut unless you have a sweet tooth !
Lynn says
Do you use old fashioned or instant oatmeal?
Danielle Green says
I have used both in this recipe but I prefer the instant oats personally.