No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites are gluten free, energizing snacks that taste like cookie dough! Easy and made in 1 bowl.
“These have been a family favorite for years! With back to school upon us, my son requested these in his lunchbox! Thanks!!”
Where are my snackers at?
Let me be more specific – where are my snackers who like said snacks to be gluten free, packed with good-for-you-ingredients, AND taste like cookie dough?
That’s what I thought.
Today I’ve got the snack recipe to end all snack recipes — No-Bake Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites. These energizing, protein-packed bites are made in one bowl with pantry staples and are even freezer friendly.
Did I mention they taste like cookie dough?
Filling Combo of Protein, Carbs, Fat and Fiber
Oat-based, naturally-sweetened, and full of protein and fiber, these no bake energy bites provide a boost of energy whenever you need it.
They 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, 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 let’s get to it!
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.
Last step is to scoop out 2 Tablespoons worth of the mixture (I use a cookie scoop) then roll into balls and refrigerate until set (or let’s be real – devour 5 immediately.)
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
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola
- Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
- Grain Free Granola
- Maple Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
- Green Smoothie Muffins
Ingredients
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup super fine almond flour
- 1 cup certified gluten free old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup gluten free dark chocolate chips, Enjoy Life recommended
- 1/4 cup gluten free dried cranberries, Ocean Spray recommended
- 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. Can be frozen.
Notes
- These no-bake bites will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator and freeze very well.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Someone asked about nutritional information. I calculated it using Food Processor software. (I am a Registered Dietitian) I used almond butter, but peanut butter would be virtually the same. I put in 15 servings. Each bite has 150 calories, 9 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 16 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 4 g protein, and 20 mg sodium.
Would almond meal work just as well as almond flour?
I think so, though I haven’t tried. You could start with a little then add more as needed!
Are these still good without the chocolate? I was reading your recent meal plan post and I’m pregnant with our first (14 weeks!) and never been much of a snacker but I’m starting to need them now haha! I don’t really care for chocolate in stuff like this, so wondering if they’d still hold up?
Oh for sure – totally fine to leave it out!
Do you think these could be stored NOT in the refrigerator? I prefer them room temperature. If the almond butter is shelf stable, it should be ok, right??
Hi Dena, I think that would be ok! For some reason I’m thinking that “wet oats” wouldn’t be great sitting out unrefrigerated and/or unbaked, but that said I’ve made homemade granola bars with oats and let them sit out for a few days and it’s been fine. Otherwise, the energy bites warm up to room temperature in about 10 minutes!
Can you post the calorie count per ball? Thank you…. love getting my e-mails from your blog.
Is dark chocolate dairy free?
Hi Jonna! The Enjoy Life brand of chocolate chips is dairy free, though dark chocolate is not always so just make sure you read labels when shopping!
I really like these. The honey taste is so nice. This make for a very special healthy snack.
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.
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/
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.
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! :)
I bet with a few additions, these would be great as a lactation/energy bite too! :)
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.
Love that you’re still able to use my recipes, Teresa, and that you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for your feedback!
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!
These look amazing! About how many does this recipe make?
Hi Alex! You’ll get 14-16 bites.
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!
Right?! So addictive!! We are making another batch this afternoon – so glad you loved them, Meredith!