These Nutty Cranberry Energy Bites are packed with wholesome ingredients like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, and dried cranberries. Perfect for a mid-day snack or pre-workout boost, they provide a balanced combination of healthy fats, proteins, and natural sweetness. The recipe is simple, requiring minimal active time and allowing for flexibility with your choice of nut butter or dried fruits. These bites are gluten-free and can be made vegan by selecting the right nut butter. They’re also kid-friendly and perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying with tea.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 75 grams (½ cup or 2.6 oz) almonds
• 50 grams (½ cup or 1.8 oz) walnuts
• 50 grams (½ cup or 1.8 oz) pumpkin seeds
• 250 grams (1½ cups or 8.8 oz) pitted dates
• 100 grams (⅓ cup or 3.5 oz) peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 40 grams (¼ cup or 1.4 oz) dried cranberries
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

• Heat a pan over medium heat and add the almonds and walnuts.
• Toast them for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• After 2 minutes, add the pumpkin seeds and continue to cook for another 2 minutes or until the seeds start to pop and the nuts release a toasty aroma.
• Remove the nuts and seeds from the pan and set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dates

• Place the pitted dates in a food processor.
• Pulse the dates until they break down into a thick, sticky paste. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes and drain them before processing.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

• Once the nuts and seeds have cooled, add them to the food processor with the date paste.
• Add the peanut butter, dried cranberries, and salt.
• Pulse everything together until a sticky mixture forms and the nuts are chopped into smaller pieces. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Shape the Energy Bites

• Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls using your hands.
• If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, you can lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil or water to make rolling easier.

Step 5: Chill the Bites

• Place the rolled energy bites onto a tray or plate lined with parchment paper.
• Chill the energy bites in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to allow them to firm up.

Step 6: Serve and Store

• After chilling, the energy bites are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.

Cooking Tips:

• Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute the almonds and walnuts with other nuts like cashews, pecans, or hazelnuts depending on your preference.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and replace the nuts with more seeds like sunflower or chia seeds.
• Adjust Sweetness: For extra sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the mixture before rolling the bites.
• Texture Variation: If you prefer a crunchier texture, pulse the nuts lightly instead of blending them completely, leaving larger chunks.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 bite):

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 20mg

FAQs:

1. Can I freeze these energy bites? Yes! These energy bites freeze very well. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before eating.
2. Can I use a different type of dried fruit? Absolutely! You can swap out the dried cranberries for raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even dried cherries. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried fruits.
3. What can I use instead of peanut butter? If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Choose a nut butter that complements your taste.
4. How long do these energy bites last? These energy bites can last for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
5. Do I need a food processor? While a food processor is the easiest way to blend the ingredients, you can also finely chop the nuts and mash the dates by hand if needed. It will take a bit more effort but can still work well.

Conclusion:

These Nutty Cranberry Energy Bites are a perfect snack for any time of the day. Packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, they offer a balance of sweetness, crunch, and chewy texture that’s hard to resist. The best part? They’re easy to make, and the no-bake preparation makes them a hassle-free treat. With a simple combination of ingredients and only a few steps, this recipe is versatile and allows for plenty of customization, making it ideal for anyone looking to satisfy their cravings in a healthy way. Whether you’re on the go, at work, or looking for a post-workout snack, these energy bites will surely hit the spot!