No Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites are the perfect healthy snack for busy days. Packed with natural sweetness from cherries, a nutty crunch from pecans, and a boost of nutrition from chia seeds, these bites are easy to make and require no baking. They are great for on-the-go snacking, pre-workout fuel, or a quick energy boost during the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: No baking required—just mix, roll, and enjoy.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
- Naturally Sweet: The cherries provide a natural sweetness without the need for added sugars.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on preference or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them for convenient snacking all week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried cherries
- Pecans
- Chia seeds
- Rolled oats
- Almond butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Directions
- In a food processor, pulse the dried cherries and pecans until they are finely chopped.
- Add the chia seeds, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture comes together.
- Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Place the energy bites on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy as needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-15 energy bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds and use a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter.
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra boost.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Coconut Flavor: Roll the bites in shredded coconut before chilling.
- Citrus Twist: Add a bit of orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before eating.
- No Reheating Needed: These are best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I make these energy bites stick together better?
If the mixture is too dry, add a little more almond butter or honey to help bind the ingredients.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Dried cherries work best because they add sweetness and help with texture. Fresh cherries may add too much moisture and make the mixture too wet.
Are these energy bites gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews would all work well.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, you can chop the ingredients finely by hand and mix them in a bowl.
How many energy bites should I eat at once?
One or two should be enough for a quick energy boost, but it depends on your personal needs.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are a great healthy snack for kids. Just be sure they are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Can I add protein powder to these?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder. You may need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to balance the consistency.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Just use maple syrup instead of honey to keep them plant-based.
How long do they last at room temperature?
They are best stored in the fridge but can stay at room temperature for a few hours if needed.
Conclusion
No Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites are a delicious, healthy, and convenient snack that requires minimal effort to prepare. With their natural sweetness, satisfying crunch, and nutrient-packed ingredients, they are perfect for meal prep, on-the-go snacking, or a quick energy boost. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a wholesome treat any time of the day!
Print
No Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These No-Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites are packed with natural sweetness, nutty crunch, and a boost of fiber and protein! Made with dried cherries, pecans, oats, and chia seeds, these bites are the perfect snack to fuel your day. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and are great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, dried cherries, and chia seeds. Stir well.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup) for about 20 seconds until slightly runny. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny bit more honey or nut butter.
- Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
- For extra protein, add 1–2 tablespoons of protein powder.
- If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more oats. If it’s too dry, add more nut butter.
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