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
Are energy balls healthy?
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!
How many dates do you need for 1 cup of dates?
Depending on size, about 12 individual dates equals 1 cup of dates.
Why are my energy balls falling apart?
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.
Can you make energy balls without a food processor?
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 facts
Similar recipes:
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
These cherry pie energy balls look absolutely incredible! I think that drizzling peanut butter to make a peanut butter-cherry pie (jelly?) treat would be amazing as well!
Wow.. they look simply superb <3 I loved the clicks.. and the recipe.. A while back I did tried something similar using Dates and Chocolates. Here's my recipe: http://werecipes.com/dates-chocolate-balls-sugarless-recipe/
Ok I’m totally loving the ball theme you and Davida have going! I posted this about the pecan pie energy balls and need to ask you the same…Please tell me you have seen the Saturday Night Live Skit “Delicious Dish” with Alec Baldwin? Please. If you haven’t, you must find and watch. I giggled when I read all about balls when this skit was going through my head!!!
Yum! I love the nutritional pack that these little balls hold! It is such a nice and sweet treat too to help fend off the millions of oreos sitting at my work haha
LOL. Balls > Oreos…just saying.
These look so good! I think I might have to make a batch this week. They look like they’d be perfect to take to school with me for a snack mid afternoon.
Yay, so happy you are doing a Balls’ Week with Davida, I love balls! 😀 And this combination of cherry and almond sounds divine! (I especially LOVE dried sour cherry, will have to try it with them.) Looking forward to more ballsy recipes coming this week! 😉
WOOT BALLS!
Love the addition of cherries to this recipe! I love making date balls, but have never added cherries, I’ll put that ingredient on my list to add in! Thanks for the recipe!
Wahhhh! You’d love it! The sea salt is AMAZING.
Can’t wait for all the bally goodness coming! Yay BALLS. Balls balls balls.
BALLS BALLS BALLS BALLS.
Holy yum! I love your balls! 🙂 I bet for a special treat, you could add baby chocolate chips.
YESSSS. Chocolate makes the world go round.
All the yes. I can imagine these taste like the cherry pie larabars which are great, but I like that these are homemade!
They do! …but better because they’re homemade!