This a variation of our energy bites base recipe. These easy no-bake energy bites are a great snack for any time of day. Pack a few chocolate cherry energy bites in your backpack, diaper bag, or gym bag so that you can have a delicious, nutritious snack wherever you go!
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Oat Bites
Soaking the oats in hot water first makes each energy ball taste like a little bite of oatmeal. This also creates a different taste and texture than other energy bite recipes that use nut butter as the primary binding agent. Additionally, using water as the binding agent keeps the calorie content of this recipe much lower than other oat ball recipes.
If the almond butter is too hard to mix in, microwave it for 30 seconds to make it easier to stir.
Don’t worry about overmixing the “dough”; it won’t affect the final texture!
If the mixture is too sticky, add more oats 2 Tablespoons at a time. If the mixture is too dry, add more hot water, 1 Tablespoon at a time.
Got kids? This is a very kid-friendly recipe! Have them help you measure, mix, and roll. The ingredients in this recipe can be eaten while cooking (because we all know that kids love to “taste test”), rolling is a great way to practice fine motor skills, and kids love getting their hands dirty!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cinnamon: substitute pumpkin spice or apple pie spice.
- Vanilla: substitute almond extract.
- Oats: use old-fashioned or quick oats. Quick oats create a squishier texture and will be stickier when rolling. Do not use steel cut oats.
- Almond Butter: substitute any nut or seed butter. Choose natural varieties whenever possible. Got a nut allergy? Use a seed butter such as sunflower butter.
- Dried Cherries: substitute any dried fruit of your choosing. Choose sugar-free varieties for best nutrition.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: use semi-sweet or dark if you can find them. You can substitute full size chocolate chips or chunks, and either leave them whole or chop them for more chocolate in each bite! Want a vegan chocolate energy bite? Choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Honey: substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Flaxseeds: substitute chia or hemp seeds or feel free to leave out.
- Walnuts: substitute any chopped nuts – almonds, pecans, peanuts, etc.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to add other mix-ins of your choosing: chia seeds, coconut flakes, etc. Keep in mind that adding more ingredients will change the texture of the recipe, so you may have to add more water or nut butter to help the ingredients stick together.
Have fun getting creative with different types of nut butters and add-ins; there’s a world of energy bite exploration out there!
Short on time or patience? You can turn this into a super quick energy bites recipe by skipping refrigerating the mixture. It will be slightly stickier, so be prepared to wash your hands a few more times.
Need some energy bites recipe inspiration?
Use our base recipe as a guide to make it your own, or check out some of our favorite energy ball variations!
Equipment Recommendations for Tasty Bites
Use these kitchen tools for this simple recipe!
Oatmeal Energy Bites are a Healthy Snack
This recipe was specifically developed to be a brain-boosting snack. The oats, walnuts, flaxseeds, and dried cherries in this recipe make this the perfect snack!
Oats
Oats provide complex carbohydrates that provide the brain with steady energy. (1) These complex carbohydrates also contain fiber which promote digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, good cholesterol, and healthy gut bacteria. (2)
Walnuts and Flaxseeds
Walnuts and flaxseeds are great sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. These fats promote brain and heart health. (3)
Dried Cherries
Tart cherries may play a role in improving cognitive function. (4, 5) For optimal nutrition, choose sugar-free varieties.
How to Store Homemade Energy Bites
Chocolate cherry energy bites are a great on-the-go snack because they do not have to be cold to eat. However, for food safety reasons, avoid leaving them in your bag or purse all day.
For optimal freshness, store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do you love oats as much as we do?
Check out these other delicious recipes!
Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters
Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites with Walnuts
Ingredients
- ½ cup hot water
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dash salt
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup chopped, roasted walnuts
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 Tablespoons honey or agave
Instructions
- Mix hot water, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl. Add oats to the mixture. Mix until all the water is absorbed.
- Add almond butter, walnuts, chocolate chips, cherries, flaxseed, and honey and mix until well incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes so they are easier to roll.
- Divide mixture into 1-inch balls (~2 Tablespoons) using a spoon or small portion scoop. Roll into balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy!
