Savor the delightful fusion of wholesome goodness in these Cherry Almond Energy Balls. Bursting with the natural sweetness of dried cherries and dates, intertwined with the satisfying crunch of almonds, each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. These little spheres of nutritious indulgence serve as an ideal snack, effortlessly providing a boost of energy and a dose of goodness from the nuts and fruits. Whether enjoyed on-the-go or as a guilt-free treat, these homemade delights promise a deliciously wholesome experience in every bite.
Cherry Almond Energy Balls
These Cherry Almond Energy Balls are bite-sized powerhouses of flavor and nutrition! Packed with the natural sweetness of dried cherries and dates, combined with the satisfying crunch of almonds, these energy balls offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Perfectly portable and easy to make, they're an ideal on-the-go snack to keep you energized throughout your day while satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthy way.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- measuring cups
- Plate or Tray with Parchment Paper
- Rolling Tools or Hands optional
- Storage Container
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almonds (or your choice of nuts)
- 1 cup dried cherries (or any dried fruit you prefer)
- 1 cup pitted dried dates
Instructions
- Begin by placing the almonds in a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely chopped but not yet turned into a paste.
- Add the dried cherries and dates to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture starts to come together. It should have a slightly sticky texture.
- Check the mixture. If it's too dry and crumbly, add a few more dates (pitted) or a splash of water. If it's too wet, add more almonds or some oats to balance the consistency.
- Once the mixture is sticky enough to roll into balls, scoop out portions and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
- Optionally, you can roll the balls in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts for an extra touch.
- Chill the energy balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the almonds for other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or a mix of different nuts. Similarly, you can use different dried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots based on your preferences.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture seems too dry and isn't sticking together well, add a few more dates or a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to bind the ingredients. Conversely, if it's too sticky, incorporate more nuts or a bit of shredded coconut or oats to balance it out.
- Texture Variation: For a more textured feel, pulse the ingredients less in the food processor to leave larger chunks of nuts and fruits. For a smoother texture, process the ingredients longer until a finer consistency is achieved.
- Custom Flavors: Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt to complement the sweetness of the fruits and nuts.
- Storage: Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer-term storage and take them out as needed.
- Portioning: Using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon can help ensure evenly sized energy balls for consistent servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 3g
