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To create Cranberry Almond Energy Balls, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup almond slices - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of sea salt These main ingredients blend together to give you a tasty and nutritious snack. The rolled oats provide fiber. Almond butter adds protein and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup offers natural sweetness. Dried cranberries give a tangy flavor. Almond slices add crunch. Vanilla and cinnamon enhance the taste. The sea salt balances all the flavors. You can also boost your energy balls with these optional add-ins: - Seeds (e.g., chia or flaxseed) - Other dried fruits (e.g., raisins or apricots) - Mix-ins for extra flavor (e.g., cocoa powder or protein powder) Adding seeds can increase the nutrition. Other fruits can change the taste. Cocoa powder makes them chocolatey. Protein powder can help fuel your day. Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the dry ingredients: Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats. Then, scoop in 1/2 cup of almond butter. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir these ingredients until they blend well together. 2. Incorporating the wet ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries. Follow that with 1/4 cup of almond slices. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly. You want the flavors to be evenly spread out. 3. Final mixing and consistency check: After mixing, check the consistency. It should feel sticky but easy to handle. If it's too dry, a tiny splash of water can help. If it's too wet, a bit more oats can fix it. 1. Portioning the mixture: With clean hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. This will help keep your energy balls the same size. 2. Rolling technique for uniformity: Roll the mixture between your palms. Make sure each ball is smooth and firm. This step helps ensure they hold together well. 1. Refrigerating for optimal firmness: Place all the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step makes them firmer and easier to eat. 2. Best practices for storage: Store your energy balls in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them! Just make sure to thaw them when you are ready to enjoy. To get the right texture for your energy balls, aim for a mixture that is not too dry or sticky. You want it to hold together but still be easy to roll. If your mix feels crumbly, add a bit more almond butter or honey. If it is too wet, sprinkle in some oats to balance it out. If you have nut allergies, you can still enjoy these energy balls. Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. This swap keeps the flavor while making it safe for those with nut sensitivities. Always check your oats to ensure they are gluten-free if needed. You can make these energy balls your own by adding spices or extracts. Try a dash of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for a new twist. When serving, arrange the energy balls in a bowl and sprinkle extra almond slices around them. This not only looks nice but also adds a tasty touch. Pro Tips Use Natural Sweeteners: If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using pure maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan-friendly alternative. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out cranberries and almonds for other dried fruits and nuts, such as apricots and walnuts, to create your own unique flavor combinations. Chill for Better Texture: Allowing the energy balls to chill in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to eat and providing a satisfying chew. Perfect Portioning: Use a cookie scoop for even portioning to ensure that all your energy balls are the same size, making them perfect for packing in lunches or on-the-go snacks. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavors of your energy balls. Here are two fun ideas: - Chocolate Cranberry Almond Energy Balls: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mix. This gives a rich chocolate flavor. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. - Spiced Pumpkin Energy Balls: Substitute the almond butter with pumpkin puree. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a warm flavor. These are perfect for fall and holidays. If you want alternatives, I have some great swaps. - Alternatives to almond butter: Try using peanut butter for a nutty taste. Sunflower seed butter is a great choice for nut allergies. - Sweetener swaps: Instead of honey, you can use agave nectar. Maple syrup also adds a nice flavor. You can make your energy balls fit the season, too. - Incorporating seasonal fruits or spices: In spring, add fresh strawberries. In winter, a bit of nutmeg or ginger can warm things up. - Holiday-themed versions: For Christmas, mix in crushed peppermint. For Thanksgiving, consider using dried figs or cranberries for that festive touch. These variations keep the recipe fun and fresh! Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Store your Cranberry Almond Energy Balls in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will stay good for up to one week. To keep them from sticking together, you can layer them with parchment paper. For longer storage, freeze the energy balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps them hold their shape. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. They taste great after thawing! Stored energy balls can last about one week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they look dry or smell off, it’s best to discard them. Enjoy your delicious, healthy snack! Cranberry Almond Energy Balls can last for about one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. They keep well for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them before enjoying. Yes, you can switch out nuts or seeds easily. Almond butter is great, but peanut butter works too. You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. For the nuts, try walnuts or pecans instead of almond slices. Feel free to mix in your favorites! Absolutely! These energy balls are packed with nutrients. They provide energy from oats and healthy fats from almond butter. The sweet taste of cranberries makes them appealing to kids. Plus, they are easy to grab for a quick snack. Kids will love them! In this post, I shared how to make delicious Cranberry Almond Energy Balls. We explored the simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting texture and making your snacks allergy-friendly. These energy balls are not just tasty; they are also easy to customize. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast or as a snack, they offer great flavor and nutrition. Try them today and make them your own!

Cranberry Almond Energy Balls

Healthy and delicious energy balls made with oats, almond butter, and cranberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup almond slices
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until well blended.
  • Add in the chopped dried cranberries, almond slices, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into energy balls.
  • Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  • Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Arrange the energy balls in a small bowl or snack container, and sprinkle extra almond slices around them for an appealing presentation.
Keyword energy balls, healthy, snack