These Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bites are so satisfying and leave your body energized with their high protein and quickly absorbing nutrients! They are great for a quick breakfast or snack, and even your kids will love these little bites of energy.
If you love these quick and easy snacks, try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites and my Peanut Butter Oat Balls!
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Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bites
These Peanut Butter Energy Balls were a go to for me during both pregnancies and after when I was nursing. They are the perfect grab and go snack and are a great way to pack in calories and nutrients when nursing or pregnant. That is why you will sometimes hear these referred to as lactation balls!
These energy bites aren’t just for nursing moms though! Kids and adults love these energy balls. They taste like one of those delicious granola bars you buy at the store, but without all of the added preservatives and sugar. Plus, in little ball shapes they are way more fun to eat! I’ve been wanting to make an energy bite recipe with dried fruit and settled on cranberries. Dried cranberries are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, and go so well with the white chocolate in this recipe.
If you have been looking for some healthy, filling snacks, look no further than this energy bite recipe!
If you love this recipe then you love my Monster Energy Balls Recipe!
What’s in Energy Balls?
- Oats: Old fashioned oats are loaded with nutrients and are great for nursing moms.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy natural peanut butter works great. You could also use crunchy peanut butter for extract crunch and texture.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries are great in this recipe. Technically you can substitute these for another dried fruit like raisins but cranberries have a great flavor and texture.
- White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips give some added sweetness and quick energy for your body. If you prefer dark chocolate, substitute the white chocolate chips. You can also omit these as well.
- Cashews: Cashews are low in sugar and high in protein. Plus the flavor combines well with the cranberries and white chocolate.
- Vanilla: A little bit of vanilla adds a nice flavor.
- Ground Flax Seed: Flax seed has so many health benefits and is loaded with fiber and healthy fats and can aid in digestion.
- Maple Syrup: Helps to bind everything together and sweetens up the energy bites.
How to Make Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bites
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients into a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Chill: Chill the ingredients in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll them into balls.
- Assemble: Roll the bites into 16 small balls. Store in the fridge for up to one week.
Tips and Variations
- How to substitute your flax seed: If you don’t have flax seed on hand, you can substitute with chia seeds or hemp seeds. Or leave it out all together and add some extra oats!
- Honey vs Maple Syrup: I used maple syrup in this energy bite recipe, but you can also use honey or agave. All three of these options add a subtly sweet flavor and help to bind the bites together.
- Create bars instead: If you prefer, you can spread this mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, refrigerate, and then slice into rectangles for homemade granola bars.
- Swap out ingredients as desired: You can switch your white chocolate for milk or dark if you prefer. Or, you can change the cashews for almonds or walnuts. You can also add things like cocoa powder or protein powder for added flavor and protein!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my mixture is too dry?
If you find that the mixture is dry, try adding a splash of water 1 tablespoon at a time. That should help to make the mixture easier to handle. You can also try adding some extra maple syrup or honey to bind everything together more.
Can I freeze my energy bites?
You can absolutely freeze them! Place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. It is a great idea to freeze them and then take a few out at a time for each day for your daily snack.
Are Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bites Healthy?
These bites are healthy when enjoyed in moderation. They offer a lot of good nutrients and protein and are a great option for when you are craving something sweet!
More Healthy Snack Recipes to Try
- Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
- Almond Joy Energy Bites
- Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
- Date Energy Balls
- Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
- Maple Pecan Granola
Cranberry Chocolate Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup cranberries
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup ground flax seed
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
- Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up. This makes them easier to roll.
- Roll out 16 balls and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Did you make this?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Adrianna Noriega
How much protein powder would I add? I would be using plant protein powder! Thanks!
Kelley Simmons
Hi!
I would add maybe 2 tbsp or so. I would add less oats so the mixture doesn’t get too dry.
Thanks and enjoy!
Kelley
Sharon
Can you freeze these healthy snacks and if so, how long? Thanks
Kelley Simmons
Yes absolutely! You can freeze them for up to 2 months!
Chenee
These were more like little dessert bites – so tasty and even better because they’re good for you!
Tiffany
These are wonderful! Anything I can make ahead of time and have in the rush of the morning is gold. Thank you!
Casey
These were so tasty that I immediately made another batch and popped them in the freezer. They’re perfect for snacking on the go!
Kelley Simmons
Aww yah that makes me so happy to hear!
Glenda
Such a great pick-me-up when I hit that wall in the middle of the afternoon. Thanks for sharing the yummy recipe!
Kelley Simmons
Yah so glad to hear you enjoyed this!