Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter
Chewy no-bake energy bites packed with oats, almond butter, dark chocolate chips, and dried cherries for a wholesome and satisfying snack. This american-inspired snacks (gluten free) 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 12, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup, chopped dried cherries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp ground flaxseed, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until mixture is thick and sticky.
- Step 2: Fold in 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries evenly throughout the mixture.
- Step 3: Using your hands or a tablespoon, roll the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 4: Chill the energy bites in the refrigerator 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 No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter 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 No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter?
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 No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter?
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 No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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.
Is Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Energy Bites with Almond Butter gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
