Satisfy your sweet tooth in just 15 minutes with these simple and delicious Cranberry Almond Energy Balls. This grab-and-go snack is one of my favorites!
Energy Ball Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 15 medjool dates
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- 1-2 TBSP water
No almond extract? No problem! This is my favorite extract to liven up cakes, cupcakes, and even these awesome energy balls! If you don’t have any on hand you can 100% just use 1 tsp vanilla extract (total) and they’ll still be super tasty. I feel like it adds a little something extra so if you have it, use it!
What nuts can I use for these energy bites?
These energy balls are super flexible and a variety of different nuts will work. Mix and match almonds, cashews, walnuts, and even pecans!
What type of dates should I use?
This recipe works best with medjool dates. I always keep them on hand these days since they’re so fantastic for snacking! I like to stuff them with peanut butter or blend them into energy balls for an easy grab-and go snack. They’re sweet and chewy and my favorite variety of dates.
Medjool dates are typically found boxed up like fresh berries in a plastic containers or in the grocery store’s bulk dried fruit and nuts area.
How to make energy balls: tips and tricks!
First process the almonds cashews and in a food processor with an S-blade until the mixture resembles small crumbs.
Next add dates, dried cranberries, vanilla, almond extract, sea salt and one tablespoon of water. Pulse/blend until the dates/cranberries have been well chopped and incorporated and the mixture begins to stick together. This will take about 5 minutes. Stop and scrape the bowl of the processor as needed.
An extra 1-2 tablespoons of water can be added as needed (pulsing between each spoonful) to make the mixture sticky enough to roll into balls. Once ready, the mixture will sort of stick together in a large lump.
For easy rolling, rub a drizzle of coconut oil or avocado oil onto your palms (this will prevent the mixture from sticking to you) and roll into 1 and 1/2 tablespoon balls.
Do I need a food processor to make this recipe?
To make these cranberry almond energy balls, you’ll want to use a food processor fitted with an S-blade.
A food processor works best because the nuts need to be broken down into teeny crumbles as well as process the dried fruit so the mixture is sticky enough to roll into little balls or bars. The processor doing the leg-work is keeps this recipe quick and easy to make.
How do I store energy balls?
These tasty date balls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for approx. 1-2 weeks and because they’re freezer friendly, you can absolutely freeze some for later! You can even keep them in the fridge for a chilled treat if desired.
Cranberry Almond Energy Balls
I’m absolutely loving this energy bite recipe! The measurements below yield approx. 16 energy balls and if you’d like roll smaller portions to yield more bite-sized balls, totally go for it!
Ready to get your recipe on? Here’s the printable recipe card!
Cranberry Almond Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- ½ cup cashews
- 15 medjool dates
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- 1-2 TBSP water
Instructions
- First process the almonds cashews and in a food processor with an S-blade until the mixture resembles small crumbs.
- Next add dates, dried cranberries, vanilla, almond extract, sea salt and one tablespoon of water. Pulse/blend until the dates/cranberries have been well chopped and incorporated and the mixture begins to stick together. This will take about 5 minutes. Stop and scrape the bowl of the processor as needed.
- An extra 1-2 tablespoons of water can be added as needed (pulsing between each spoonful) to make the mixture sticky enough to roll into balls. Once ready, the mixture will sort of stick together in a large lump.
- For easy rolling, rub a drizzle of coconut oil or avocado oil onto your palms (this will prevent the mixture from sticking to you) and roll into 1 and 1/2 tablespoon balls. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More Baller Energy Ball Recipes
- NEW! Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- Chocolate Cherry Date Balls
- Key Lime Pie Energy Bites (I love these fiercely!)
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Energy Balls
- Monster Energy Bites via Kitchen Fun with my Three Sons
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls
If you get a chance to try these cranberry almond energy balls, let me know!
Leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your tasty creations.
Questions & Reviews
I’ve made this 4 times now. We live them. Can you tell me if the nutritional value noted is for one ball?
I’m so glad you’ve been loving the recipe! The nutrition facts are for 1 ball if you make 16 total.
I just bought a new food processor and wanted to try it out so I made these today – they are so delicious!
I absolutely loved these energy bites! The cranberries were the perfect sweet touch! definitely making it again soon!