Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls

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Sweet and satisfying, these energy balls are filled with chocolate, cherries and walnuts to give you a quick energy boost on-the-go.

Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls - The Lemon Bowl

In this Post: Everything you need for Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls


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. 

Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Bites - The Lemon Bowl

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 Bites - The Lemon Bowl

Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls

5 stars
Sweet and satisfying, these energy balls are filled with chocolate, cherries and walnuts to give you a quick energy boost on-the-go.
PREP: 15 minutes
TOTAL: 15 minutes
PRINT RATE
Servings: 20

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.

Notes

Energy balls be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, perfect for brown bag lunches, picnics or more.
If they don’t form perfectly right away, keep rolling them between your hands. As you roll them, the warmth of your hands will help release the natural oils in the walnuts which will help shape the balls.
Recipe inspired and slightly adapted from Gimme Some Oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcalCarbohydrates: 12.1gProtein: 2.6gFat: 5.4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.4gSodium: 53mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 8g

33 thoughts on “Chocolate Cherry Walnut Energy Balls”

  1. Esther

    About how big are these? I’m trying to be more mindful of portions, especially with tasty bites like these!

    Reply
  3. 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!

    Reply
  6. 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!

    Reply

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