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.
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.