No Bake Cranberry Energy Bites make excellent healthy grab and go snacks. These gluten free and dairy free granola balls are easy to make with just 7 ingredients, and are a guaranteed kid favorite!
HOMEMADE CRANBERRY GRANOLA ENERGY BITES
Healthy snacks like energy bites and granola bars are my absolute favorite things I like to make on my Sunday meal prep days.
We make a few batches of energy bites every week and a few of our favorites include:
- 5 Ingredient Energy Bites
- Almond Joy Energy Bites
- Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- Apricot Energy Bites
- Banana Nut Energy Bites
- Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- Coconut Energy Bites
- No Bake Lemon Coconut Energy Bites
- Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
- Pumpkin Energy Bites
- Turtle Pecan Energy Bites
With back to school season upon us, these Cranberry Energy Bites would make a great snack to pack on the go for school lunchboxes or after a workout.
They clock in at just 135 calories per bite and are super simple to make! The best part though? My cranberry energy bites are completely no bake. And you can easily customize them by swapping out the ingredients with what you like.
They make a great snack for toddlers and kids and they’ll have fun helping you make them too. We love making a double batch and enjoying them straight from the fridge when we need a quick pick me up.
INGREDIENTS FOR CRANBERRY ENERGY BITES:
One thing I really like about no bake energy bites? They are made with simple pantry ingredients that you can swap out according to what you have on hand.
- peanut buttter, almond buttter OR your favorite nut or seed butter
- liquid honey, brown rice syrup, agave syrup or date paste
- pure vanilla extract
- finely shredded coconut
- old fashioned oats, use gluten free if necessary
- dried cranberries
Optional:
- chopped nuts or seeds
- chocolate chips
Be sure to check your labels if you have any food allergies or sensitivities and use gluten free or nut free ingredients as needed.
HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY ENERGY BITES:
- In a large bowl, mix together heated nut/seed butter and honey until smooth.
- Stir in shredded coconut, oats, and mix until well combined. Add optional add-ins if desired. Fold in cranberries.
- Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1″ – 1.5″ balls. Or, if the dough doesn’t stick together place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it’s easier to handle. Press additional cranberries evenly around the dough, if desired.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
ARE CRANBERRY ENERGY BITES FREEZER FRIENDLY?
Absolutely. These healthy energy bites are the perfect make ahead recipe. You can make them on your meal prep Sunday, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
We like to make a double batch and place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set. Then we store them in freezer-friendly zip-top bags.
Then you just grab one or two in the morning or any time you need a quick pick-me-up.
ARE CRANBERRY ENERGY BALLS HEALTHY?
Energy bites are a great healthier treat option when enjoyed in moderation on a balanced diet. They are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with fiber and protein but sweet enough to satisfy that sweet dessert craving.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST CRANBERRY BITES:
- wet hands slightly before rolling into balls to avoid sticking
- use gluten free oats or quinoa flakes if you are allergic to oats
- add a touch of liquid sweetener if you prefer a sweeter treat
- the peanut butter / almond butter can be swapped out for any nut or seed butter you like – peanut butter, sunbutter, cashew butter or pumpkin seed butter would work as well
- shredded coconut can be left out if you’re not a fan – just use extra oats, almond flour, oat flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill), ground flax or protein powder instead
- swap out the cranberries for nuts, chopped chocolate or cocao nibs
MORE EASY SNACK RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
No Bake Cranberry Energy Bites make excellent healthy grab and go snacks. These gluten free and dairy free granola balls are easy to make with just 7 ingredients, and are a guaranteed kid favorite!
- 1/3 cup peanut butter almond butter OR your favorite smooth no stir nut or seed butter (cashew, sunflower or pumpkin seed butter (heated slightly until liquidy)
- 1/4 cup liquid honey brown rice syrup, agave syrup or date paste will work as well
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut leave out and use ground flax seed, oat flour or protein powder instead of coconut if you are not a fan
- 1 cup old-fashioned or quick oats use gluten free if necessary(I used Bob's Red Mill)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried fruit of your choice
- chopped nuts or seeds
- chocolate chips
- In a large bowl, mix together heated nut/seed butter and honey until smooth.
- Stir in shredded coconut, oats, and mix until well combined. Add optional add-ins if desired. Fold in cranberries.
- Wet hands slightly and form dough tightly into 1" - 1.5" balls. Or, if the dough doesn't stick together place dough in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to forming dough balls so it's easier to handle. Press additional cranberries evenly around the dough, if desired.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
Recipe Video
**You can form these into cookies or granola bars by flattening the dough in an 8x8 square pan if you prefer not to roll them out.
Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. months. Allow to sit out for 10 minutes from the freezer before serving.
No Bake Cranberry Energy Bites make a fun and easy snack for after workouts or school lunchboxes. Use sun butter or pumpkin seed butter if the school is nut-free.
