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.
Jill says
Am I supposed to use cooked oatmeal or am I just toasting oats? I know what it says but I’ve never made any energy bites with cooked oatmeal before.
Danielle Green says
Toasting the oats, not cooked oatmeal
Blake says
Is there any alternatives to nuts for this recipe due to allergies? Could I sub the nuts for seeds? And the nut butter for tahini?
Danielle Green says
You can omit the nuts altogether or seeds like Pepitas would make a great substitution. As for the nut butter, I’d go for a SunButter over Tahini personally.
P says
I too wonder if map
Esyrupcan be used in place of honey?
Ella says
Yum! I can’t wait to make a batch to have some handy for healthy snacks.
Elisabeth says
Has anyone subbed maple syrup for honey?
Micgelle says
I made these a couple of times & while the taste is good, they are by NO means easy to form. It’s like trying to put together dry sand. I’ve followed the recipe to a T! What ended up helping was putting water on my hand before I formed each ball. It doesn’t affect taste, but it does help. Maybe adding dates would help? Good taste but definitely a pain to assemble.
Erin says
Can I omit the chia seeds?
Danielle Green says
absolutely
April says
Can I add protein powder to this?
Danielle Green says
If you do, you will need to add more peanut butter as that will dry out the mixture.
Sandy Miller says
Yummy!!
Cory says
These taste delicious and are so easy to make!
Malinda says
My kids had a blast making these for snack the other day! And they ate almost the entire batch!
Alison says
These were so easy & delicious! Perfect for busy mornings.
Julie says
We really enjoyed these! They were the perfect afternoon snacks for my kids! We’ll be making them again for sure!
Megan says
These were the perfect little grab-and-go breakfast bites for our busy week! I love the cranberry in them! Delicious!
Emerge says
I’m really pleased. I used what I had on hand. So I omitted chia seeds & chopped almonds. I hope to add them the next time. Thanks a bunch.
Emerge says
I’m really pleased. I used what I had on hand. So I omitted chia seeds & chopped almonds. I hope to add them the next time. Thanks a bunch.
Emerge says
I’m really pleased. I used what I had on hand. So I omitted chia seeds & chopped almonds. I hope to add them the next time. Thanks a bunch.
amy says
My kids and I really like these, but there’s no WAY with six in our fam that I can roll all those little balls. I’ve made these five or six times and just press them into a 9×9 pan, chill, slice, and go.
Danielle Green says
I feel you Amy, I would probably do the same now with two little children! haha
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.
Harley says
I usually make the coconut-chocolate version of this recipe, but I’m so glad I switched it up! These were amazing.