Cherry Dark Chocolate Energy Bites (Print View)

Chewy treats with cherries, chocolate, oats, and sea salt—ideal for a nourishing, energizing snack.

# Components:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if required)
02 - 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
03 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

→ Mix-ins

04 - 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
05 - 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (60–70% cacao), chopped if large
06 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
07 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

→ Topping

08 - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes cohesive and sticky.
02 - Stir in the chopped dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, chia seeds, and shredded coconut if using. Mix until all components are evenly distributed throughout the base.
03 - Scoop out approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture for each bite. Roll each portion between your palms to create a compact ball, repeating until all mixture is shaped, yielding about 16 bites.
04 - Arrange the bites on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Lightly sprinkle the surface of each bite with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
05 - Refrigerate the energy bites for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm them. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Made with pantry basics like oats, nut butter, and honey so you can throw them together anytime
  • No bake and minimal mess which is perfect for hot days or kid-friendly cooking
  • Energizing ingredients for a post-workout treat or a mid-day pick-me-up
  • Easily adaptable to fit vegan and nut-free diets
02 -
  • Gluten free friendly just be sure to use certified GF oats
  • Perfect freezer snack and easy meal prep option
  • Sweet tart salt and chocolate all in a bite size bundle
03 -
  • Letting the base mixture sit for five to ten minutes before forming helps the oats soak up moisture and makes rolling less sticky
  • I have learned that wetting your hands with cold water before rolling each bite keeps the mixture from sticking and makes perfectly round shapes every time