Pin These cherry-chocolate energy bites have become my secret weapon for conquering afternoon slumps and fueling post-workout recoveries. The perfect balance of tart cherries, rich dark chocolate, and nutty goodness creates a snack that feels indulgent while delivering steady energy.
I first created these energy bites when training for a half marathon and needed something that would provide lasting energy without processed sugars. My teenagers now request these weekly, claiming they help them stay focused during long study sessions.
Ingredients
- Dried tart cherries roughly chopped: Contains antioxidants and natural recovery compounds for muscles look for unsweetened varieties for best results
- Raw almonds: Provides protein and healthy fats choose unblanched for maximum nutrition
- Raw cashews: Adds creamy texture and heart healthy fats select unsalted for better control of the final flavor
- Pitted Medjool dates about 10 dates: Natural sweetener and binding agent look for soft plump dates
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds cohesion and subtle sweetness local honey adds complexity
- Dark chocolate chips 70% cocoa or higher plus extra for drizzling: Antioxidant rich and mood boosting higher percentage means less sugar
- Vanilla extract: Enhances chocolate flavor pure extract offers best results
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness inside the bites
- Flaky sea salt for garnish: Creates flavor contrast and visual appeal Maldon salt works beautifully here
Instructions
- Prepare the Nut Base:
- Place almonds and cashews in your food processor and pulse repeatedly until they reach a coarse meal consistency. You want texture similar to rough sand with some slightly larger pieces remaining. This creates the perfect foundation for our energy bites with just enough structure. Be careful not to overprocess into nut butter which would make the final bites too oily.
- Add Binding Ingredients:
- Add the pitted dates, chopped cherries, honey, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to the processor. Run the machine for about 45 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The mixture should transform into a sticky cohesive mass that holds together when pressed between your fingers. If it seems too dry, add another date or a teaspoon of honey.
- Incorporate Chocolate:
- Add the dark chocolate chips to the mixture and pulse 4 to 6 times just until distributed throughout the dough. The brief processing keeps chocolate pieces intact for bursts of flavor in each bite. The warmth from the processor will slightly soften the chocolate creating subtle marbling without fully melting it.
- Form the Bites:
- Scoop tablespoon sized portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to form neat balls. Slightly damp hands prevent sticking and create smoother surfaces. Apply gentle even pressure to ensure the bites hold together. The mixture should yield approximately 16 uniform energy bites.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- If desired, melt additional dark chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 20 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Drizzle over the formed bites using a fork or small spoon. While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each with a few flakes of sea salt allowing the crystals to adhere to the surface.
- Chill and Set:
- Arrange the completed energy bites on a parchment lined tray or plate ensuring they dont touch. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up. The chilling process helps the bites maintain their shape and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Pin Tart cherries are my favorite ingredient in this recipe not just for their flavor but for their natural recovery properties. As a runner I discovered research showing tart cherries can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. My family initially complained about the tartness but now specifically requests the cherry version over other variations Ive tried.
Storage Solutions
These energy bites maintain optimal freshness when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cool temperature prevents the ingredients from becoming too soft and helps preserve the flavors. For longer storage, these bites freeze beautifully for up to three months. I often make double batches and freeze half in individual portions for grab and go snacks. Allow frozen bites to thaw in the refrigerator for about an hour before enjoying.
Clever Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If youre not a fan of cherries, dried cranberries, blueberries, or even apricots work wonderfully as replacements. Nut allergies? Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds create a delicious alternative base. The dates can be substituted with dried figs or prunes if needed, though you might need to adjust the sweetener slightly. For those avoiding chocolate, carob chips provide a similar experience without the caffeine.
Nutritional Powerhouse
These humble little bites pack a serious nutritional punch. The almonds and cashews provide protein and healthy fats that help stabilize blood sugar levels. Tart cherries contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while
Seasonal Adaptations
Winter Warming Version substitute dried cranberries for cherries and add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Summer Refresher add 1 tablespoon orange zest and use white chocolate instead of dark Fall Harvest include 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Serving Suggestions
These energy bites shine as standalone snacks, but they also complement other foods beautifully. Serve alongside fresh fruit for a light breakfast or pack with a handful of additional nuts for a satisfying hiking snack. I often include these as part of lunch boxes with yogurt and fresh berries. For an elegant dessert option, serve chilled bites on a platter with coffee after dinner as a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. They pair wonderfully with herbal tea, especially mint or rooibos varieties.
Pin These steps will ensure your cherry-chocolate energy bites are perfectly formed, delicious, and ready to enjoy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute other dried fruits for the cherries?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, blueberries, or apricots for the cherries. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but the texture and binding properties will remain similar.
- → How long do these energy bites stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these energy bites will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make these without a food processor?
A food processor is highly recommended for the best texture. However, if you don't have one, you can use a high-powered blender, chopping the ingredients in batches and then mixing by hand.
- → Are these energy bites vegan?
The basic recipe contains honey, which isn't vegan. However, you can easily make them vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- → How can I add more protein to these energy bites?
For additional protein, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or your favorite protein powder to the mixture. You may need to adjust the binding ingredients slightly if the mixture becomes too dry.