{"id":31422,"date":"2019-08-21T05:00:16","date_gmt":"2019-08-21T11:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blissfulbasil.com\/?p=31422"},"modified":"2021-04-27T09:46:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T15:46:42","slug":"chocolate-cherry-almond-energy-bites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blissfulbasil.com\/chocolate-cherry-almond-energy-bites\/","title":{"rendered":"Chocolate Cherry Almond Energy Bites"},"content":{"rendered":"

These chocolate cherry almond energy bites are as easy to make as they are dreamy to eat. Requiring just 20 minutes and a handful of common ingredients, these nourishing bites make the perfect after-school\u00a0snack.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Chocolate-covered dried cherries rank high on my list of favorite candy. They're basically up there with any sweet thing that marries peanut butter + chocolate.<\/p>\n

One of my favorite recipe tricks is to take adored dessert flavors and turn them into nourishing snack recipes. Most notably, energy bites.<\/p>\n

Even Thin Mints<\/a> and Carrot Cake<\/a> have had their turn in the energy bite spotlight.<\/p>\n

Energy bites are the ultimate snack. They come together in a flash, can be made in big batches, and pack a nourishing punch of healthy fats, omega-3s, fiber, and energizing carbohydrates.<\/p>\n

Add to that laundry list of goodness the fact that they can be infused with dessert-like flavors, and you've got yourself an unstoppable force of snacking nature.<\/p>\n

What's not to love?<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

And so, I've lovingly turned one of my favorite candies\u2014chocolate-covered cherries\u2014into a snack-appropriate treat.<\/p>\n

Just in time for back-to-school planning. These chocolate cherry almond energy bites are made with simple ingredients and come together in about 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

You can even involve your little ones in the rolling portion of the recipe.<\/p>\n

Sloane wanted nothing to do with rolling, shouting\u00a0\"Mama, messy! Messy!\" <\/em>and showing me her date-specked hands\u00a0upon first touch of the sticky \"dough\".<\/p>\n

But she was all for enjoying the finished product.<\/p>\n

\"Mama, more chocolate treat?\"<\/em><\/p>\n

She had 3.5 energy bites in her first go. I mean, dang, that's a small meal for me.<\/p>\n

What can I say? Girl loves her nuts, cherries, and chocolate.<\/p>\n

Like mama, like daughter.<\/p>\n

To make these candies in snack's clothes, you'll start by pulsing a cup of gooey Medjool dates in the food processor until they're chopped and begin to clump together in a ball.<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate
\n\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Remove the dates from the food processor and set aside.<\/p>\n

Then, add almonds, oats, cocoa powder, and salt to the food processor. Process until ground into a fine meal.<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate
\n\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Return the dates to the food processor. Add in almond butter and a splash of water, and process until the mixture comes together in a moist but crumbly \"dough\".<\/p>\n

Then, add a small heap of chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate) and dried cherries and pulse to incorporate.<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

This energy bite \"dough\" has less dates than most and so it's a bit more crumbly than you might expect.<\/p>\n

Having said that, it should easily hold together in balls when pressed.<\/p>\n

If it doesn't, add another splash of water\u00a0or<\/em> add more dates and pulse again. That should do the trick.<\/p>\n

Once the \"dough\" is ready, scoop out 1 \u00bd-tablespoon mounds and press\/roll into balls.<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

Once all of the energy balls have been formed\u2014you should have about 22\u2014pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm and set.<\/p>\n

Enjoy and refrigerate leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

These bites are delightful. They're chocolaty, chewy, nutty, satisfying, and have a touch of tart cherry tang.<\/p>\n

They're also fairly portable, so feel free to pop a few in a jar or container on your way out the door as an on-the-go snack.<\/p>\n

I hope you love these and much as I do. And Sloane, too. Every day for a week now she's requested them by saying,\u00a0\"Mama, chocolate treat?\"<\/em> and inquisitively pointing to the refrigerator. Who am I to deny that sweetness?<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate<\/p>\n

If you make this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don\u2019t forget to tag a photo #blissfulbasil<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udcd6 Recipe<\/h2>
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5<\/span> from 2<\/span> votes<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Chocolate Cherry Almond Energy Bites<\/h2>\n
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These chocolate cherry almond energy bites are as easy to make as they are dreamy to eat. Requiring just 20 minutes and a handful of common ingredients, these nourishing bites make the perfect after-school\u00a0snack.<\/span><\/div>\n
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<\/g><\/svg><\/span> Prep Time <\/span>20 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/div>
<\/g><\/svg><\/span> Total Time <\/span>20 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n
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<\/g><\/svg><\/span> Servings <\/span>22<\/span> bites<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
<\/g><\/svg><\/span> Author <\/span>Ashley<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h3>