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
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup oats
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- ¼ 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.
Esther
About how big are these? I’m trying to be more mindful of portions, especially with tasty bites like these!
Liz DellaCroce
They are about 2 tablespoons?
Joanne
I 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
hahaha THANK YOU! That’s a huge honor!
Kirsten
Liz,
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
You better believe it!!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
These 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
Thank you so much Faith!!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
Addicted to energy balls!! Love the cherry/walnut combo!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s one of my favorites and of course the chocolate just takes it to the next level.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
These 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
I can’t stop making them lately!!
Polly @ Tasty Food Project
Chocolate and cherries are such a delicious combo! I could munch on these all day!
Liz DellaCroce
I had to hoard them so I didn’t eat them all at once!
Tamara
These sounds awesome. Does it matter what kind of oats are used (steel cut, whole, etc.) Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you would need old fashioned rolled or quick cooking but NOT steel cut. :)
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
There is so much I lovea bout this.
Liz DellaCroce
But mostly the balls part, right?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
I 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
omg 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
Love *that polish
ashley - baker by nature
LOVE polish, girlfriend! And these little balls wouldn’t stand a chance in my house!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you sista!! It’s Essie something.. Love anything green! xo
Gaby
I could definitely munch on these all day long!
Liz DellaCroce
I love cherries and chocolate!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
So easy and with my favorite things – making ASAP!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try them and love them Anna!
Becca from ItsYummi!
Oh 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
Love that you used pistachios!!!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
Liz – these look absolutely delicious!!! I need these in my life ASAP – chocolate, cherries, nuts AND energy – perfect!!!
Liz DellaCroce
haha the perfect combo right?!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
These look fantastic! I can always use a mid-morning and mid-afternoon pick me up and these would be just the ticket.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes exactly!! I hope you enjoy!