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To make Almond Cranberry Energy Bites, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter - ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup - ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - ½ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped - ¼ cup chia seeds - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty snack. Rolled oats give a hearty base, while almond butter adds creaminess. Honey or maple syrup brings natural sweetness. Dried cranberries add a chewy burst of flavor. Chopped raw almonds provide crunch, and chia seeds boost nutrition. Lastly, vanilla extract and sea salt enhance all the flavors. Feel free to mix and match some of these ingredients for a personal touch. You can swap almond butter for another nut butter if you like. Use different dried fruits or nuts as well. These small changes can make the bites uniquely yours! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - ½ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped - ¼ cup chia seeds - A pinch of sea salt Stir these ingredients together well. Make sure they are evenly mixed. This step ensures a good balance of flavors in each bite. Next, prepare the wet mixture. In a smaller bowl, whisk together: - ½ cup almond butter - ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (your choice) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Mix until it is smooth. This creamy blend will help bind the dry ingredients together. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mix. Stir with a spatula or spoon. Make sure every piece gets coated. To form the energy bites, use slightly damp hands. Scoop a tablespoon of the mix and compress it into a ball. If it feels sticky, dampen your hands again. Shape all the mixture into small balls. You should make about 12-15 bites, depending on how big you want them. Finally, chill the bites on a parchment-lined tray. Space them out well. Place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape. Enjoy them immediately or store in an airtight container for later! - Overmixing the ingredients: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bites tough. You want a nice, soft texture. - Not chilling them long enough: Chilling is key. If you skip this step, the bites may fall apart. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. - Adding spices or extra ingredients: Spice things up! Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also mix in some shredded coconut or seeds for crunch. - Adjusting sweetness to taste: Not all of us enjoy the same level of sweetness. Start with the recommended honey or maple syrup. Taste, then add more if you prefer a sweeter bite. - Ideas for plating and garnishing: Make your energy bites pop! Use a colorful plate to display them. Sprinkle extra chia seeds or chopped almonds on top for a fun look. Arrange them in a circle or stack them for height. Serve them as a snack or after workouts! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and raw almonds for the best flavor and nutritional benefits in your energy bites. Customize Your Sweetener: Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut syrup to suit your taste preferences. Mix-in Variations: Add other ingredients like dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or pumpkin seeds to give your energy bites a unique twist. Perfect Storage: Store your energy bites in the fridge in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewy texture longer. {{image_4}} You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your needs. - Nut butter alternatives: If you can't use almond butter, try peanut or sunflower seed butter. Both add great flavor. - Dried fruit options: Instead of cranberries, use raisins, apricots, or cherries for a different taste and texture. - Sweetener alternatives: If you want to skip honey, maple syrup works well. You can also use agave nectar for a lighter option. Get creative with flavors to make these bites your own. - Chocolate chips: Add dark or milk chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt in your mouth and pair well with nuts. - Coconut flakes: Mix in unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical vibe. They add chewiness and a hint of sweetness. You can modify this recipe to meet specific dietary needs. - Gluten-free modifications: Use gluten-free oats to keep your energy bites safe for those with gluten sensitivities. - Vegan options: Replace honey with maple syrup to make these bites vegan. It’s a simple switch that still tastes great. Store your almond cranberry energy bites in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to use a container that seals well. It helps prevent moisture from getting in. For best results, put the container in the fridge. The cool air will help keep them firm. If they sit out too long, they may get soft. These energy bites last about one week in the fridge. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, they stay tasty and fresh! Yes, you can make these energy bites nut-free. Use seed butter like sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter. These options are delicious and still pack a good amount of protein and healthy fats. You can also swap out the chopped almonds for seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. I suggest eating two to three energy bites as a snack. Each bite gives you a good mix of energy and nutrients. If you need a post-workout boost, you can have a few more. Listen to your body and adjust based on your hunger. Yes, you can add protein powder to boost nutrition. Use one to two tablespoons of your favorite protein powder. Mix it in with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution. This will help keep the texture nice while adding protein. Adjust the liquid slightly if you notice it becomes too dry. This post covered how to make delicious energy bites using simple ingredients. We looked at the full list, prep steps, and ways to enhance flavor and texture. I shared tips on storing and freezing these treats, ensuring they stay fresh. In closing, you can enjoy these energy bites in many ways. Make them your own by adjusting flavors or ingredients. They are both healthy and fun!

Nutty Cranberry Bliss Energy Bites

Delicious and healthy energy bites packed with oats, nuts, and cranberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried cranberries, chopped almonds, chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
  • Pour the creamy almond butter mixture over the dry ingredient mix. Stir with a spatula or spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  • With slightly damp hands, take a generous tablespoon of the mixture and compress it firmly in your palms to form a compact ball.
  • Continue to scoop and shape the mixture into small balls, repeating the process until all the mixture has been used.
  • Place the formed energy bites on a parchment-lined tray or plate, ensuring they are spaced apart. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
  • After they are chilled, enjoy the energy bites right away, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the energy bites on a decorative plate and garnish with extra chia seeds or chopped almonds.
Keyword energy bites, healthy, snack