Where are my snackers at?
Let me be more specific – where are my snackers at who like said snacks to be gluten free, packed with good-for-you-ingredients, AND taste like cookie dough?
That’s what I thought.
Listen up you hungry devils because today I’ve got the snack recipe to end all snack recipes, aka No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites. One bowl, pantry staples, gluten free, freezer friendly, and did I mention they taste like cookie dough? Awww yeah.
Filling Combo of Protein, Carbs, Fat and Fiber
Oat-based, naturally sweetened, and full of protein and fiber, these no bake energy bites they provide a boost of energy whenever you need it. I regularly make a Chocolate Peanut Butter version (which is in my ebook!) to eat when 2pm hits, and I need a little something to power me through my afternoon work sesh, but Lincoln actually inspired the combination for these particular snack bites.
At some point a few months ago Ben gave him dried cranberries and now he requests them constantly. Instead of giving him a small handful though, I’ll mix them with almond slices (or almond “chips” as I call them – seems to go over better!) to balance the sugar with protein and good fat. Wanting to create an even more balanced snack with whole grains, chia seeds, and peanut or almond butter for extra protein, I created these No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites and they are eeeeeverything. Lincoln and I both devour them and I love that they’re more substantial than a bowl of crackers/empty carbs at snack time, which just leads to more requests for snacks.
These no-bake bites also have just the right amount of sweet and completely satisfy when I’m craving something on the decadent side, too. That said, be sure to use dark chocolate chips vs milk or even semi-sweet to avoid tipping them into the dessert category.
Snack time, craving time, pre-workout time, anytime is a good time to have a No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bite. I bet you have nearly all the ingredients on hand so lets get to rollin’, shall we?
How to Make No Bake Energy Bites
This recipe blissfully falls into the “add everything into a bowl and stir” category. Woo! That said, to a large bowl add:
- Certified gluten-free old fashioned oats
- Almond flour
- Peanut butter
- Dried cranberries
- Dark chocolate chips
- Sliced almonds
- Chia seeds
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix everything together with a fork then, if the mixture sticks to your hands when you try and roll it, incorporate 1-2 additional Tablespoons almond flour until the mixture is no longer sticky. The final amount used will depend on what kind of peanut butter you have. I recommend using no stir but if all you’ve got is the super drippy stuff than you’ll need more almond flour to thicken it up. It’s all good though – more protein and fiber!
Last step is to scoop out 2 Tablespoons worth of the mixture (I used a cookie scoop) then roll into balls and refrigerate until set (or let’s be real – devour 5 immediately.) These No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites will stay nice and chewy in the fridge for 4-5 days, or you can pop them into the freezer to have on hand whenever you need a boost. I hope you love these perfectly delicious, no-bake gluten-free snacks as much as we do – enjoy!
More Healthier Snack Ideas:
- Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
- Grain Free Granola
- Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
- Green Smoothie Muffins
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No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites
Description
No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites taste like cookie dough and provide a burst of energy whenever you need it. Gluten free and made in 1 bowl!
Ingredients
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 cup certified gluten free old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup peanut or almond butter
- 1/4 cup gluten free dark chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life)
- 1/4 cup gluten free dried cranberries (I like Ocean Spray)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Stir together 1/2 cup almond flour plus remaining ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. If mixture sticks to your hands, incorporate 1 additional Tablespoon of almond flour at a time until it's no longer sticky. Scoop 2 Tablespoons of the mixture then form into balls and place into a storage container. Refrigerate until set. Balls will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator and freeze very well.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Cathy 01.08.2017
I really like these. The honey taste is so nice. This make for a very special healthy snack.
Jenn 12.13.2016
I made these using oat flour (pulsed regular oats in my ninja) and they were INSANE! Thank you so much for sharing, I really enjoyed this recipe.
If you have any other variations up your sleeve, do tell. I was trying to hack your version to include a tropical dried fruit mix, but I haven’t come up with what to sub in for the peanut butter.
Kristin 12.27.2016
Hmm, that is a toughie. Maybe medjool dates and cashews? Here’s a recipe you could try and adapt! https://iowagirleats.com/2016/02/01/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-bites/
Erin Z 12.08.2016
My mom and I both follow your blog and she brought me a batch of these in the hospital after I had my second son last month. These are the PERFECT postpartum snack! Easy to eat one handed while holding a baby and they are delicious! I’ve since made another (double) batch and they didn’t last long so I’ll be going to pick up some more of the ingredients soon.
Kristin 12.08.2016
Oh I’m so glad to hear it!! I LIVED on them the two weeks after my last son was born because, like you said, they’re so quick and easy to eat. So glad you enjoyed, and congratulations! :)
Holly 03.20.2017
I bet with a few additions, these would be great as a lactation/energy bite too! :)
Teresa 12.05.2016
LOVE these! Made one batch and ready to make another batch! Very filling snack and love incorporating chia seeds for a nutritional punch. Your blog and web site, along with your gorgeous photography and recipes are one of my favorite sites. I don’t have an intolerance to gluten but was diagnosed as diabetic this year. I have no problem with using your recipes in my meal plan as it is often the portion size as well as the ingredients that matter.
Kristin 12.08.2016
Love that you’re still able to use my recipes, Teresa, and that you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Seth B 11.21.2016
These are a great idea! I like that they can be prepped in advance! I am always looking for new breakfast items and the combination of cranberry and chocolate sounds super yummy! Excited to have these around on the days that I’m rushing out the door for work!
Thanks for posting! Cheers!
Alex 11.20.2016
These look amazing! About how many does this recipe make?
Kristin 11.23.2016
Hi Alex! You’ll get 14-16 bites.
Meredith 10.25.2016
Oh my gosh, these are ADDICTIVE! I made a batch on Sunday and I’ll be making another this weekend. They are so delicious (they seriously taste like a candy bar), and they are perfect for snacking. I’m still nursing and get super hungry, and these are SO nice to have in the fridge. Congrats on your new addition!
Kristin 10.26.2016
Right?! So addictive!! We are making another batch this afternoon – so glad you loved them, Meredith!
Sara @ Last Night's Feast 10.20.2016
These look amazing!
Debi 10.20.2016
This recipe looks great for energy snacks however I would like the nutritional information before trying.
Stella @ Stellicious Life 10.20.2016
I’m a big fan of these little snack-balls and how healthy, delicious and filling they are.
Thinking of you, good luck and can’t wait to meet your little boy!!
Angela 10.20.2016
Beautiful, looks great!
Sophie 10.19.2016
Hello, I just started eating a GF diet and was wondering if I could use coconut flour instead of almond flour? I’m trying to replace all my baking products with new GF flours (hard on the budget!), but I have yet to buy almond flour. Tx!
Kristin 10.19.2016
Hi Sophie! You could definitely try coconut flour. It sucks up a TON of moisture though, vs other gluten-free flours, so I’d start with 3 Tablespoons and go from there.
Sophie 10.19.2016
I used 1/4 cup coconut flour and maple syrup instead of honey and they turned great!
Emily 10.19.2016
Thanks for NOT including protein powder :) These look fabulous.
Kristin 10.19.2016
You got it. ;) Nothing against protein powder, I just never ever have it in the house!
Lynn 10.19.2016
Hi, Kristen…long time reader here, your crock pot chicken soup with wild rice is my FAVORITE SOUP EVER, FYI. Anyway, do you think rice flour would work instead of almond?
Kristin 10.19.2016
Yesss!! We love that soup so much at our house too!! I would probably stick with oat flour or even flaxseed meal vs rice flour!
Stephanie | Worth Whisking 10.19.2016
I’m a total snacker! I tell myself it’s to keep my metabolism going throughout the day. :) I’ve also become a huge fan of energy bites, and these are ones I definitely want to try! Can’t go wrong with cranberries, chocolate, and almonds!
Tiffany R 10.19.2016
can you suggest a NUT free energy bite recipe? they all contain nuts and peanut butter :(
Kristin 10.19.2016
Let me do some digging! You could use Sunbutter in place of the peanut/almond butter in this recipe, then omit the almond slices, too!
Donnav 06.03.2017
what about sunflower seeds or pumpkins seeds instead of the nuts? More texture, fibre and nutrition…..
Lacey 10.19.2016
Hi Kristin!
These look delicious, but I would like to leave out the honey and use liquid stevia instead. Since that will make it more dry what adjustments would you suggest using?
Thanks!
Kristin 10.19.2016
Hi Lacey! I’ve never used liquid stevia so I can’t say for sure. I *think* you only need to use a little bit, right? That said I’d maybe incorporate a few dates or maybe a bit more peanut butter for some “glue”.
Lola 10.19.2016
These look super tasty. I just bought some almond butter so needed some inspo x
Cindy @ Cookies and Chemistry 10.19.2016
Hi Kristin!
I just wanted to say that I’ve been a blog reader for a while, and I adore your writing and your photography. These dough balls look absolutely amazing and perfect for quiet snacking in the library at school! Recently I made a compilation of some of my favourite blogs (which I had to feature yours in!), and you can check it out here: https://cookiesnchem.com/2016/10/19/my-top-22-favourite-food-blogs/
Thanks for making your blog so easy to read, exciting, and creative. Hope the rest of your day is amazing!
Cindy
Kristin 10.19.2016
Thank you so, so much, Cindy! Your support means a ton! :)
Kristi 10.19.2016
These look great! Could I substitute white whole wheat or oat flour for the almond flour if I didn’t need this to be GF?
Julie 10.19.2016
I was going to ask the same thing. :)
Kristin 10.19.2016
I would not use AP flour since there is a risk of E. coli poisoning (there have been several flour recalls for this reason!) You could try using oat flour, and they’ll still be GF, too! I’d worry about them being a little gummy but it’s definitely worth a try.