Sweet and satisfying, these energy balls are filled with chocolate, cherries and walnuts to give you a quick energy boost on-the-go.
My 2 year old little man loves to eat without assistance but let’s be real, toddlers aren’t exactly tidy in the kitchen. While I’m certainly not a neat freak by any means, I try to have plenty of healthy, ready-to-eat finger foods on hand at all times. Unfortunately for my husband, those are rarely found in a bright orange box.
While I’ve made energy balls several times before, this particular recipe was inspired by my beautiful friend Ali. Of course, Michigan girl in me couldn’t pass up an opportunity to incorporate dried cherries, one of my favorite fruits of all time. Tart, sweet and packed with antioxidants, I love pairing them with chocolate.
For added protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats, I added natural peanut butter, crunchy walnuts and flax seed meal. Clearly I can’t pass up any chance to eat more peanut butter.
These energy balls keep well and are great to stash in your purse, diaper bag, glove compartment or gym bag. We love eating them chilled but they are equally delicious room temperature.
No fork required.
Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup oats
- 1/4 cup flax seed meal
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cherries chopped
Instructions
- In a medium ball, whisk together peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
- Stir in oats, flax seed meal, chocolate chips, walnuts and cherries.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, roll into evenly sized balls and place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Chill balls 30 minutes (or longer) to set before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Esther
June 18, 2014 at 3:55 pmAbout how big are these? I’m trying to be more mindful of portions, especially with tasty bites like these!
Liz DellaCroce
June 19, 2014 at 11:28 amThey are about 2 tablespoons?
Joanne
June 13, 2014 at 7:29 amI hereby dub you the energy ball queen!! I know I say this about all of your bites, but I love these. Dried cherries are da bomb.
Liz DellaCroce
June 17, 2014 at 8:43 amhahaha THANK YOU! That’s a huge honor!
Kirsten
June 10, 2014 at 8:17 amLiz,
I looked at that photo and though . . . hmm . . . look like dried Michigan cherries to me!
I’ve got some in my pantry, and think that my kids would love snacking on this treat.
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:49 amYou better believe it!!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
June 10, 2014 at 5:05 amThese look amazing, Liz! Dried cherries and chocolate are so perfect together, and the addition of walnuts really takes these little beauties over the top!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:49 amThank you so much Faith!!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
June 9, 2014 at 10:32 pmAddicted to energy balls!! Love the cherry/walnut combo!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:50 amIt’s one of my favorites and of course the chocolate just takes it to the next level.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
June 9, 2014 at 9:28 pmThese look delicious! I love making protein balls/bars at home. I like knowing what ingredients go in them, and they’re also perfect for a sweet treat. Though I have actually never used dates, so I need to try this soon!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:50 amI can’t stop making them lately!!
Polly @ Tasty Food Project
June 9, 2014 at 7:48 pmChocolate and cherries are such a delicious combo! I could munch on these all day!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:52 amI had to hoard them so I didn’t eat them all at once!
Tamara
June 9, 2014 at 4:10 pmThese sounds awesome. Does it matter what kind of oats are used (steel cut, whole, etc.) Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:50 amYes you would need old fashioned rolled or quick cooking but NOT steel cut. :)
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
June 9, 2014 at 3:37 pmThere is so much I lovea bout this.
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:51 amBut mostly the balls part, right?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
June 9, 2014 at 3:33 pmI have been obsessed with making energy balls and bars for my boys too! For the 1 year old, I roll teeny tiny little balls for him to munch on.
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2014 at 8:51 amomg that is so cute!!! I love that you make them small for your 1 year old!! I need to do that because my 2 year old has no concept of taking small bites. ;)
ashley - baker by nature
June 9, 2014 at 11:16 amLove *that polish
ashley - baker by nature
June 9, 2014 at 11:15 amLOVE polish, girlfriend! And these little balls wouldn’t stand a chance in my house!!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:15 pmThank you sista!! It’s Essie something.. Love anything green! xo
Gaby
June 9, 2014 at 11:13 amI could definitely munch on these all day long!
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:15 pmI love cherries and chocolate!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
June 9, 2014 at 10:51 amSo easy and with my favorite things – making ASAP!
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:15 pmI hope you try them and love them Anna!
Becca from ItsYummi!
June 9, 2014 at 10:42 amOh my gosh… great minds think alike! I just pulled out everything on this list to make the same thing, except I used pistachios instead of walnuts. Great snack!
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:16 pmLove that you used pistachios!!!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
June 9, 2014 at 8:40 amLiz – these look absolutely delicious!!! I need these in my life ASAP – chocolate, cherries, nuts AND energy – perfect!!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:15 pmhaha the perfect combo right?!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
June 9, 2014 at 8:06 amThese look fantastic! I can always use a mid-morning and mid-afternoon pick me up and these would be just the ticket.
Liz DellaCroce
June 9, 2014 at 2:16 pmYes exactly!! I hope you enjoy!