Let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: cranberry coconut energy balls! These little bites of joy are not just delicious; they’re packed with nutrients that keep me fueled and ready to tackle the day. With a perfect balance of sweet and chewy, they satisfy my cravings while also being a guilt-free treat. I love that they’re super easy to whip up—like, you don’t even need to turn on the oven! Just mix everything together, roll them into balls, and voilà! You’ve got a healthy snack that’s perfect for on-the-go munching or a post-workout boost. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them all the time!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Prepare Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to make sure it’s big enough to hold all those delicious ingredients!
- Now, add in the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey. I like to mix the almond butter and honey together first to make it easier to combine everything. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Next, toss in the dried cranberries, shredded coconut, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, and vanilla extract. Oh, the smell of vanilla mixed with those sweet cranberries is just heavenly!
- Using a sturdy spoon or your hands (my favorite method!), mix everything until it’s well combined. You want to make sure every ingredient is evenly distributed, so keep mixing until it feels right.
- Once it’s all mixed up, it’s time to roll! Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. It can get a little sticky, but that’s part of the fun!
- Place your energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is key to keep them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Now, here’s the best part: refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set up nicely and makes them easier to handle.
- After they’ve chilled, they’re ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I doubt they’ll last long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—no baking required!
- Filled with wholesome ingredients that are good for you.
- Perfectly portable—great for snacks on the go or post-workout fuel.
- Sweet and chewy with a delightful crunch from the coconut.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or substitutions.
- Kids love them too—they’re a hit for lunchboxes!
- Healthy yet satisfying, making them a guilt-free treat.
Tips for Success
- Mixing: When combining the ingredients, I find that using your hands helps to incorporate everything evenly. Just be prepared for a little stickiness—it’s totally worth it!
- Consistency: If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash more honey or a touch of almond butter. On the flip side, if it’s too wet, a sprinkle of oats or flaxseed meal can help balance it out.
- Chilling: Don’t skip the chilling step! It really helps the energy balls hold their shape. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes instead.
- Storage: Keep your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. I like to store them in single-serving bags for easy grab-and-go snacks!
- Experiment: Feel free to get creative! Try adding different seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to make them your own. Each variation brings a new twist to the flavor!
Variations
- Nut Butters: Swap out the almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Each nut butter brings its own unique flavor!
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to the mixture for a delicious chocolatey twist. You can even roll the balls in cocoa powder for an extra indulgent touch!
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. It’s a great way to add extra nutrition, especially if you’re using these as a post-workout snack.
- Fruit Frenzy: Mix in other dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or even chopped dates for a burst of sweetness and flavor. The more, the merrier!
- Seed Power: Incorporate chia seeds, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition. They all add a nice texture and boost of healthy fats!
- Coconut Craze: If you love coconut, try adding more shredded coconut or even some coconut flakes for an extra chewy and tropical vibe.
Nutritional Information
These cranberry coconut energy balls are not only delicious but also a healthy choice for a snack! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per energy ball:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But rest assured, you’re getting a nutritious and satisfying snack that will keep you going throughout the day!
FAQs
Can I make these energy balls nut-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the almond butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. They’ll still be delicious and just as satisfying!
How long do cranberry coconut energy balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these little gems are good for up to a week. But I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re too tasty!
Can I freeze them?
Yes! You can freeze these energy balls for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
What can I use instead of honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute for honey. It adds a lovely flavor too!
Are cranberry coconut energy balls good for kids?
Definitely! These energy balls make a perfect healthy snack for kids. They’re sweet, chewy, and packed with nutrients, making them a hit in lunchboxes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cranberry coconut energy balls is super simple! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—though I can’t promise they’ll last that long! I like to portion them out into single-serving bags for a quick grab-and-go snack during the week.
If you want to keep them longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Just wrap each energy ball tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.
No reheating needed—enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a quick, nutritious pick-me-up anytime!
Print
Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls: 7 Guilt-Free Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 energy balls 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Healthy and delicious cranberry coconut energy balls packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter.
- Add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- These can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry, coconut, energy balls, healthy snack
