Cherry Pie Energy Balls
Published 9/4/2023
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Made with 5 wholesome ingredients, cherry pie energy balls taste just like cherry pie. These no-bake energy balls are a quick (15-minute!), delicious, and nutritious snack to enjoy all week long.
It’s no secret we love energy balls! We’re always coming up with fun new flavor variations like Snickers energy balls and apple chai energy balls, and this cherry pie version is downright tasty.
These cherry pie energy balls are equally sweet and tart, naturally vegan and gluten free, and come together quickly in the food processor. Simply process the almonds, then add in the rest of the ingredients. Shape into balls and enjoy whenever you need an extra boost of energy throughout the day!
Featured Comment
“These were the best energy balls I’ve ever made (and I’ve made quite a few). Flavors go great together and I loved that there were only three main ingredients (beside vanilla extract and salt).” – Lauren
What You Need for Cherry Pie Energy Balls
All of our energy ball recipes feature some combination of dried fruit, nuts or nut butter, and other flavorful add-ins that create a nutrient-dense pick-me-up. For this cherry pie version, you need:
- Almonds: Raw, unsalted almonds are the base of this energy ball recipe. You’ll use a food processor to process them into a fine almond meal before adding the other ingredients.
- Dates: Dates add sweetness and help the energy ball mixture stick together. If you can find already pitted dates, grab them! It will save you time and sticky fingers.
- Cherries: Dried tart cherries add flavor and a little sweetness.
- Vanilla + Salt: Pure vanilla extract and sea salt add flavor.
- Water: Water moistens the energy ball mixture.
Energy Ball Ingredient Substitutions
Energy balls are totally customizable – it’s easy to mix and match your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
Nuts: Instead of almonds, feel free use the same amount of raw, unsalted cashews or peanuts. Personally, I love the almond + cherry combination.
Cherries: For these cherry pie energy balls, I used the tart dried cherries from Trader Joe’s. Use your favorite kind of dried cherry (dried cranberries would also work). If you are not using tart cherries, the balls will be a little sweeter but still taste delicious.
FAQ
Energy balls are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats and made with all-natural ingredients. They’re a nourishing no-sugar-added snack that we love to enjoy any time of day!
Depending on size, about 12 individual dates equals 1 cup of dates.
If your energy balls are falling apart while trying to roll them, the mixture is probably too dry. Put everything back into the food processor and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture is malleable and the balls stick together in ball-form.
You can use a high-speed blender instead of a food processor, but you do need some sort of kitchen appliance to process all of the ingredients together. Mixing by hand won’t work for these energy balls.
Energy Ball Storage
For longer-lasting balls, store these cherry pie energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer Storage: Transfer balls to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Eat the balls straight from the freezer or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up.
Serving Suggestions
Energy balls are a great grab-and-go snack and we try to keep at least one flavor of them around the studio. Enjoy them post-workout with a chocolate protein shake, on road trips, or for a pick-me-up throughout the work day.
Cherry Pie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups almonds, raw and unsalted
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted (~12)
- 1 cup dried tart cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Place almonds in a food processor and process until the almonds turn into a meal, about 1 minute.
- Add in the pitted dates, tart cherries, vanilla, sea salt, and water and process for 1-2 minutes on high until a dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add 1/2 teaspoon of water at a time until you've reached the preferred consistency.
- Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll between your palms to create the balls.
- Store balls in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Store cherry pie energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer Instructions: Transfer balls to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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these were absolutely delish. i found the processing a bit tricky and time consuming so i’m definitely gonna have to figure out a way to incorporate these flavors without using a processor. it’ll be worth it. please give these a try.
These were the best energy balls I’ve ever made (and I’ve made quite a few). Flavors go great together and I loved that there were only three main ingredients (beside vanilla extract and salt).
YAYAYA!!! So glad you loved them!
These are delicious! I tried them last night, they are a hit with my coworkers and with me!
They taste a little bit like fig newtons without the breading. So YUMMY!!! Thanks!
Note: I used a not-so-powerful food processor. This was a bad idea ONLY when I had the dates and cherries in the mix. It could handle one of those ingredients with the almonds with no problem. Just be careful 🙂
Gahhh when you start making balls you realize how wonderful a super powerful food processor is <3