Cherry Holiday Energy Bites (Print)

Festive no-bake bites with tart cherries, oats, and nuts, finished with dark chocolate—perfect for holiday snacking.

# Components:

→ Energy Bites Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 2/3 cup dried tart cherries, chopped
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted roasted almonds, finely chopped
04 - 1/3 cup natural almond butter
05 - 1/4 cup honey
06 - 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Dark Chocolate Drizzle

09 - 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon coconut oil

# Method:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dried cherries, finely chopped almonds, and shredded coconut. Ensure even distribution.
02 - Add the almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly sticky, indicating it's ready for shaping.
03 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll the mixture firmly between your palms to form uniform balls. Aim to create 18 individual bites.
04 - Arrange the formed energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the bites to firm up.
05 - While the bites are chilling, melt the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil together. This can be done in a microwave-safe bowl, using short 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and fluid.
06 - Using a spoon or a piping bag, artfully drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the chilled energy bites. Aim for an even coating or decorative pattern.
07 - Return the drizzled energy bites to the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes, or until the dark chocolate coating has solidified.
08 - Transfer the finished energy bites to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for consumption within one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes of active time
  • No baking required perfect for busy holiday schedules
  • Makes a beautiful homemade gift option
  • Naturally sweetened with honey and dried cherries
  • Packed with protein and fiber to sustain energy
02 -
  • These bites keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week
  • Each bite contains approximately 95 calories with a perfect balance of carbs and protein
  • They freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months
  • The recipe is easily customizable to accommodate most dietary restrictions
03 -
  • After years of making these bites, I've learned that temperature matters tremendously. Always start with room temperature almond butter for easier mixing.
  • Slightly warming your honey or maple syrup makes it incorporate more smoothly.
  • And most importantly, chilling the formed bites before adding the chocolate drizzle prevents the chocolate from melting into the bites. These small steps make the difference between good energy bites and great ones that look as professional as they taste.

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