Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites
on Nov 27, 2015, Updated Aug 01, 2024
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These Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites are a healthy, gluten-free, vegan and paleo snack that helps curb your sugar cravings!
So did you all get your fill of turkey, mashed potatoes and pie? As always I ate way too much and all I have to say is thank God for stretchy pants! Now that Thanksgiving is over I’m sure many of you, including myself are starting to think about Christmas.
One of my favorite things to give are homemade edible gifts. Cookies, quick breads, candied nuts, I love making them all! Of course the hardest part is not eating them before I give them away.
To help keep my sweet tooth in check yet still fell like I’m treating myself, I’ve been keeping a batch of these Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites on hand.
Last year around this time I shared a recipe for Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites and you guys must have really liked them because they are still one of my top recipes.
I thought creating a new cranberry vanilla flavor would probably be beneficial for the upcoming month of all things sugar and spice and yeah it’s all nice until you step on the scale in January, am I right?!
Don’t think I won’t be sharing any holiday treats in the weeks to come, because I will, and yes I encourage you to try them all, just remember, moderation. I feel like I have to repeat that to myself on a daily basis as all the Christmas cookies and candies start rolling in.
So, these cranberry vanilla energy bites, I’m seriously crushing on them! They taste like cookie dough, but you won’t find any butter or refined sugars in these little bites.
The only ingredients they contain are cashews, almonds, dried cranberries, dates and vanilla. They are perfect for snacking, refueling after a workout (which we all need after all the cookies), or a healthier dessert option.
Making the energy bites does require a high speed blender or food processor and you will have to work the mixture a bit to get it to for into a ball, but it’s worth it!
If you find that the bites aren’t coming together in the blender add a tablespoon or two of water and continue to work the mixture off the sides and down into the bottom of the blender. You may find it’s easier once the mixture is fairly ground up to scoop it out and work it together with your hands. These little bites are a life saver this time of year!
Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw almonds or almond meal
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries unsweetened if you want them to be paleo
- 1/2 cup chopped medjool dates about 6-7 dates
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a high speed blender or food processor add the cashews and almonds and pulse until they are finely ground, careful not to turn them into nut butter.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and blend or pulse until everything starts to come together. Scrape down the sides several times and add up to 2 tablespoons of water. You may need to remove the mixture and place it into a bowl and mash it together with your hands or a spatula.
- Form into approximately 20 balls about 2 teaspoons each. Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Energy Bites
So yummy and so sweet recipe.
I like it.
Such a great idea. Love the flavors in these! My boys would devour them quickly.
Thank you! I love the cranberry and vanilla flavors together!
wow, looks so yum :-)
Thank you!
You’re killin’ me today, this looks incredible and I love the flavors!! This looks amazing. I can’t wait to try these.
Thank you! I hope you like them, they’re one of my favorite energy bites!
hi
do you know the health info on this ?
Hi Jeannette, I’m sorry, but at this time I don’t normally calculate the nutrition info on my recipes. I’ve heard from other readers that MyFitnessPal has a great calculator for doing so. Here is the link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
How many would equate to a good breakfast serving?
Hi Sami,
That all depends on how many calories you are wanting to take in for breakfast. If you make these according to the recipe each bite will be about 2 teaspoons in size. At that size they are approximately 60-65 calories a bite. Hope this helps.
Looks great! Go Vegan!
Thank you!
I love that you can have some really healthy sweet treats on the dessert buffet for those who are careful about their diets!
Exactly Cynthia! The great thing about these is they don’t taste “healthy” just delicious! ;-)
these look like the perfect snack to keep me fueled while christmas shopping. :) hope you had a great thanksgiving! xo
Thanks Amanda! I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful as well!
I love the fact that you turned energy bites into a seasonal affair with the use of cranberries! These bites would be perfect pre run!! Great recipe :)
Thanks Erin! Pre-run, post-run, they’re good anytime of day!
I love how many different flavors of energy bites you’ve created – you should totally start packaging them up and selling them! ;) These sound and look delicious – thanks for sharing!
Oh if only Pamela! I love creating new flavors of them so I don’t get bored eating the same ones over and over!