Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Energy Bites with Oats and Almonds

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

Chewy no-bake energy bites loaded with oats, dried cherries, and almonds, perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go boost. This general-inspired snacks (vegetarian) 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 120 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 12 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond butter, and 1/3 cup honey. Stir vigorously until the mixture is sticky and well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries, 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp ground flaxseed. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  3. Step 3: Using clean hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
  5. Step 5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate-Cherry No-Bake Energy Bites with Oats and Almonds 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 Oats and Almonds?

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 Oats and Almonds?

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 Oats and Almonds 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 Oats and Almonds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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