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