Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites are a delicious larabar chocolate chip cherry torte copycat! Roll them into balls, bites or shape them into energy bars for a healthy no-bake snack with a kiss of chocolate!
Pulse almonds and walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.
Next add dates, dried and fresh cherries, cocoa powder, and salt. Add 1 TBSP of water and pulse mixture. Depending on how dry/juicy your dates and dried cherries are, you may need to use an additional 1-2 TBSP of water to moisten the mixture and help it blend well. Pulse/blend until the mixture is well-incorporated and a bit sticky.
Remove the mixture from the processor, spread onto a piece of wax/parchment paper or cutting board and fold/knead in the chocolate chips.
Scoop into 1.5-2 TBSP portions, gently squeeze, then roll into balls.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. They taste great chilled and the flavors are even more pronounced when thawed to room temperature. Grab a few to go or munch on one or two as a sweet treat after dinner. Either way, you won't be able to keep your hands off these balls!
Notes
TIP: I typically buy bags of chopped baking walnuts since they're almost always cheaper than whole walnuts. I'm just going to pulverize them anyways!I add 1/8 tsp of salt because not only does it bring out the flavor of the ingredients but I adore the combination of salty and sweet -- feel free to add more or less depending on your tastebuds! When it comes to the dates, I fully intended on buying whole, unsweetened dates. The bag I purchased originally was less than stellar quality so I ran out to the nearest grocery store for new ones.Feel free to add a little honey if additional sweetness is desired. Dried fruit and nuts are super flexible! You can also sub cashews for the walnuts or the almonds (that's what larabar uses) but I have a fierce devotion to walnuts and the buttery texture they lend to practically everything!Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!