Cranberry recipes aren’t just for the autumn months. This is an easy and kid-approved recipe for chocolate cranberry energy balls that can be made any time of year, using simple and healthy ingredients.
We love energy balls in our house for a quick and easy, grab-and-go snack.
The basic steps include pulsing in a food processor, forming balls, and freezing. Voila!
These keep well in the fridge or freezer for several days… if your family doesn’t eat them all before then.
These cuties are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Energy Balls
The first step to making this treat is to add all of the ingredients to a food processor and pulse until well-pulverized.
A fairly chunky dough will form. If the texture is too dry, add more almond butter. If it’s too wet, add more oats.
Next, divide the dough into approximately 1 Tablespoon serving sizes and roll each into a ball with your hands (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
You can then roll each ball into a mixture of chopped pecans and cocoa powder for a little more flavor.
Place the energy balls on a cookie sheet or plate covered with parchment paper.
For more sweetness, make a chocolate sauce (note: you may want to avoid this for children under age 2, as we recommend minimizing added sugar intake for the little ones).
To make the sauce, melt together some coconut oil and chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir gently so it doesn’t burn.
Drizzle the sauce evenly over your energy balls.
Place your treats in the freezer to harden.
Find the full recipe for cranberry energy balls below.
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Chocolate Cranberry Energy Balls
Equipment
- Food processor
- Parchment paper
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Place 1/2 cup dates, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup pecans, 1/4 cup almond butter, 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, and 1 Tbsp chia seeds in a food processor and pulse together until a chunky dough forms. If the mixture is too wet, add more oats. If it's too dry, add more almond butter.
- Pinch off approximately 1 Tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Roll your energy ball into finely chopped pecans and unsweetened coconut.
- Melt dark chocolate (~1 cup dark chocolate chips mixed with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil) gently over medium heat. Drizzle melted chocolate onto your energy balls.
- Place the energy balls in the freezer to harden for around 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Cranberry recipes can be as simple as incorporating dried cranberries into a quick recipe using a food processor and a handful of other simple ingredients. Give these cranberry energy balls a try next time your family is craving something sweet and satisfying.
Chime in: How do you like to use cranberries in your home?
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