Made with only 6 ingredients these cherry vanilla energy bites make the perfect snack for toddlers! These easy energy balls are soft, refreshing, and fueling. Plus, these cherry energy bites require no baking, save time in the kitchen and keep up your energy!
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I save time in the kitchen by having these cherry vanilla energy bites on hand.
These bites are perfect for busy moms because:
- they're made in under thirty minutes
- they store well in the freezer
- based around wholesome ingredients
- sweet enough for kids
- bite-sized
Having homemade energy balls on hand helps keep busy moms sane. Moreover, stop spending hours in the kitchen. Instead, learn how to make homemade energy balls and keep them on hand at all times!
What Are Energy Bites?
Energy bites are a busy mom staple!
They're bite-sized balls that pack a ton of nutrients. Additionally, they are normally (but not always!) date-based, homemade energy bites normally use a variety of nuts, seeds, and oats for a variety of flavors.
Energy bites are ideal for kids (and especially toddlers) because they're a fast, no-bake snack option that provides... energy!
Ingredients In The Bites
The ingredients in these homemade energy bites have one goal: fuel.
Although the dates provide a source of energy (sugar) and keep them sweet, the fats (almonds) in cherry vanilla bites help to stabilize the sugar rush.
Likewise, the oats in the recipe help to bind the balls together as well as fill up the tummies of toddlers.
How You Can Add MORE Fuel
Want to make the cherry vanilla energy bites a bit more fueling and well-rounded? Add in collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
How To Store Them
The bites can be stored in the fridge or the freezer. Personally, I store our energy balls in the freezer because dates don’t freeze solid.
Thus, I can grab them right out of the freezer to eat. Likewise, they last longer in the freezer it only makes sense.
I keep them in the fridge for around seven days. But they store in the freezer for a couple of months.
FAQ's And Tips To Making The Recipe
Homemade energy bites can be made in a variety of flavors. However, this particular recipe is based on minimal ingredients.
If you're making these bites for a toddler, make sure to fully grind the almonds before mixing them in. Likewise, you can grind down the oats as well. This will create a much smoother texture.
However, if the balls are for older kids, you can leave some chunks in the almonds and oats for texture.
Make sure to soak the dates prior to blending them. The softer they are, the better they process into "date paste" without having to add much water.
Similarly, the more water you add, the stickier the balls will be.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Don't forget to pin these Cherry Vanilla Energy Bites!
No-Bake Cherry Energy Bites
Video
Equipment
- Silione spatula
- Mini food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates soaked in warm water for twenty minutes
- ¾ almonds
- ⅔ cup oats gluten-free if needed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (yes, you need both amounts!)
- ¾ cup dried cherries
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- In a blender, grind almonds until desired texture is achieved (see notes)
- Add in the dates, syrup, vanilla, and blend. You may need to scrape down the sides to make sure the dates are fully broken down. Process until a paste forms.
- Place the dates into a mixing bowl.
- Once in the bowl, add in the almond, oats, and cherries. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Line a cutting board with parchment paper. Grab some coconut oil if you have it and run it on your hands. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking too much to your hands.
- Roll the mixture into balls roughly one inch in diameter. Place the balls on the parchment paper and place in the fridge for thirty minutes.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Other Tasty Energy Balls
Cherry vanilla energy balls are the perfect snack for toddlers and adults alike. This is because they provide a healthy burst of energy but will keep you full also.
They're simple and quick to make and tasty to eat. Just pop them in your mouth and you're good to go.
Shelby S says
My kids love the sweet flavor on these and I love that they're so easy to make!
Sara says
Another great recipe for energy balls! I am excited to try this one. 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Haha yup, we really do live off them 😀
Emily says
Cherry + vanilla is such a good flavor combo!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! It's a tasty one
Teresa says
These look yummy! I'm always looking for new real food snack ideas. I look forward to giving these a try.
fitasamamabear says
They're tasty- we love energy balls.. and bars... 😉
Mel says
These are so cute and healthy! I wish I liked eating oats and nuts more, I always get dry mouth with them. Perhaps these don't do that since they're no bake?
fitasamamabear says
They are definitely healthy! We eat a tone of them. Hrm, I don't personally get any dry mouth issues with oats but I could se eit happening if over cooked? The dates keep these pretty moist so give them a try! Plus, no cooking is always better haha
Suzanne Spiegoski says
OMG all my favorite things literally rolled up into one! Definitely saving this for later. Thanks! xo, Suzanne~ http://www.suzannespiegoski.com
fitasamamabear says
Love it! Little energy bites are so simple and so healthy!
Jen | My Healthy Homemade Life says
These sound delish, perfect for a back to school snack! I can't wait to try it!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks Jen! I was hoping "nut free" would help with back to school! Enjoy 🙂
Corinne says
OMG these look so delicious! Great photos, I just want to buy these from you LOL
fitasamamabear says
Haha Corinne that is like the best compliment ever- thank you! I've stumbled into food photography but perhaps actually selling the bars... 😉
Lynn Woods says
These look so good! This looks like it would be great for my morning snack!
fitasamamabear says
Yes! they make a great snack because they keep you full.. and obviously taste good 😉
Krystin says
Yum, these look delicious and so easy to make! Definitely bookmarking this!
Thanks for sharing!
Krystin
fitasamamabear says
No problem! they're super tasty and even better- portable!
Zac @ The Kitchen Gent says
Lovely recipe, I'm always looking for more energy ball recipes so this really helps add some diversity to my routine!
fitasamamabear says
You cannot go wrong with energy balls right!? We love them in our house!