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.
Harley says
I usually make the coconut-chocolate version of this recipe, but I’m so glad I switched it up! These were amazing.
Harley says
I usually make the coconut-chocolate version of this recipe, but I’m so glad I switched it up! These were amazing.
Megan says
I was thinking these were like the peanut butter protein bites and I totally didn’t read the directions. So I didn’t toast anything. ? not sure how that will affect the taste. I guess I’ll find out.
Louis B. says
Tried them and love them.
Louis B. says
Tried them and love them.
Louis B. says
Tried them and love them.
Louis B. says
Tried them and love them.
Louis B. says
Tried them and love them.
Stephanie says
What benefit does cooking the oats, almonds and coconut add? The other energy bites I’ve made don’t require baking and they turn out just fine. I love the idea of the flavor combo.
Danielle Green says
It toasts all of those ingredients to bring out a deeper nutty flavor. You can skip the step, but it does add better flavor.
Tawanda says
What did you bake the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut in?
Danielle Green says
A cookie sheet
Maggie says
Can you add protein powder to this recipe for more protein
Danielle Green says
I haven’t tried it yet, but have actually thought of doing the same thing. My guess is you would have to add more protein powder for binding because the powder will dry it out a bit. I’ve done it with a slightly different concept here and it worked wonderfully, https://www.thecreativebite.com/protein-peanut-butter-truffles/.
Kathy schmidt says
What is the difference between quick oats and instant oats.
Danielle Green says
No difference!
Kathy schmidt says
What is the difference between quick oats and instant oats.
Kathy schmidt says
What is the difference between quick oats and instant oats.
Kathy schmidt says
What is the difference between quick oats and instant oats.
Kathy schmidt says
What is the difference between quick oats and instant oats.
Tanya says
Will these go bad if they are not refrigerated during the day? Looking for a day time snack for my kiddo while he is at school.
Danielle Green says
You can absolutely keep them at room temp for a few days. Keeping them refrigerated just keeps them fresh longer. They are perfect for a day time snack!
Rachel says
Do you have to use instant oatmeal? Or can I use plain rolled oats instead?
Danielle Green says
Rolled oats are perfect, I actually wouldn’t recommend using the instant oatmeal.
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?