Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

No-bake energy bites packed with dried cherries, toasted almonds, rich cocoa, and a hint of vanilla for a healthy snack. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 10 minutes turns rolled oats, almond butter, honey into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 14, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 14 American cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup chopped dried cherries, 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds, and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed.
  3. Step 3: Using your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, about 12-14 total. Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 14 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 14). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chocolate-Cherry Almond Energy Bites?

American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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