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Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

By Holly Darnell, RD

March 4, 2023

Most of us are trying to eat healthy, but snack time can be a major stumbling block. It’s mid-afternoon and you’re hungry as can be. Boom, you dig into a carb-heavy, processed food and before you know it, you’ve overindulged in cookies or tea cake.

Instead, whip up these cranberry almond energy bites, the perfectly balanced snack that won’t jack our blood sugar yet will also hit all the right notes: a little salty, a little sweet, with some crunch. And importantly, it’s also balanced between carbohydrates, fat and protein. Each energy bite contains 16 grams of carbs, 11 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. Balanced macros is key to your energy levels and satiety.

Oh, these cranberry almond energy bites are also no-bake, so that makes it even easier. Just 15 minutes of prep and one hour later, you take them out of fridge and they’re ready to serve. Besides snack time, you can also enjoy them before or after your workouts.

Key Energy Bites Ingredients

When making no-bake energy bites, it’s important to use ingredients that aren’t just healthy but also work together well to form energy bites (or “energy balls”). It’s also recommended to pick ingredients that marry well flavor-wise. These cranberry almond energy bites do all that and more.

Here are some of the ingredients:

Gluten-free oats are considered a very heart healthy food, with B vitamins, iron, magnesium and selenium. They also contain healthy fatty acids since the grain’s entire germ, endosperm and bran remain intact. They supply body to each energy bite.

Cacao nibs are a superfood that have been used for thousands of years to increase energy. They’re full of fiber, so you’ll feel full longer after eating these energy bites and are useful in helping you stay regular. They deliver a nice crunch for these energy bites.

Dried cranberries contain less sugar than raisin and are packed with fiber, vitamin C and manganese, as well as an assortment of other important micronutrients. They give that hint of sweetness you want from these energy balls.

Shredded coconut, like coconut itself, is rich in nutrients, namely healthy medium-chain fatty acids. The three fats most abundantly found in them include caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. The coconut helps make you feel a bit fuller and also adds a nice texture.

Raw pepitas are very similar to pumpkin seeds but are without the shells. Full of nutrients, they’re especially notable for their essential fatty acids. They also provide a nice crunch.

Another healthy fat, almond butter provides monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and antioxidants. It gives a great flavor to these energy bites, plus lends the critical binding material so they hold together well.

Maple syrup is a favorite natural sweetener that also contains protective phytochemicals and antioxidants. It’s the primary sweetener for these cranberry almond energy bites.

Multi Collagen Protein Vanilla powder offers skin, joint and gut support. It’s also a very workable protein powder for these energy bites, and the vanilla flavor is suitable for these as well.

Step by Step Instructions for Energy Bites

Preheat the oven to 350. Place the oats, shredded coconut, slivered almonds and pepitas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow to cool. 

Next place all of the above into the bowl of a food processor. Add in collagen protein powder and pulse until chopped into small pieces. No food processer? Then use a big mixing bowl and a wooden spoon to mix well.

Time to add the binding and flavoring ingredients: almond butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, sea salt and cranberries. Mix them well in the food processor or mixing bowl.

Lastly, fold in cacao nibs. If dough is too crumbly, add in one teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture starts to hold well. 

Place the entire mixture into the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes. 

Roll mixture into one-inch sized balls, about the size of one tablespoon.

Enjoy your energy bites right away or store for later. Note: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Other Recipes for Energy Balls

• Strawberry Coconut No-Bake Energy Balls (with Bone Broth Protein Vanilla)

• Pecan Pie Energy Balls (with Bone Broth Protein Vanilla)

• No-Bake Almond Butter Energy Balls (with Bone Broth Protein Vanilla)

• Chocolate Chip Energy Balls (with Bone Broth Protein Chocolate or Vanilla)

• Pumpkin Energy Balls (with Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice)

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (with Collagen Peptides)

• Raw Brownie Bites (with Bone Broth Protein or Plant Protein+ Chocolate)

• Triple Chocolate No-Bake Protein Balls (with Plant Protein+ Chocolate)

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.