Healthy-ish snacks are one of my secret weapons. Having a few of these in the freezer can keep you from going out of control when a craving for something sweet hits. If you love chocolate-covered cherries, you’ve got to try these!
These protein-rich energy bites have chocolate, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full and energized longer. The Bayou Bunch loves them after school or as a quick, easy breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 c oats
- 1 c unsweetened dried cherries
- 3/4 c dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 c unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 c hemp hearts
- 1/4 c raw almonds
- 1/4 c roasted, salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup hot water
This isn’t rocket science. Just add the ingredients to the food processor and blend. I do try to add the almonds closer to the bottom, so that they get chopped first. Also, add the hot water slowly, as you mix the ingredients. It helps soften the coconut oil.
*Side Note… I almost never measure nut butters. It’s a pain, and I usually eyeball it.
I used a small cookie scoop to place bites on a parchment-covered sheet pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to harden.
Storage
Once set, the bites can be stored in the fridge for about a week. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the freezer to keep fresh longer.
My Thoughts on “Healthy” Eating
If you are watching carbs, don’t go crazy and eat a ton of these. However, I’ve found that depriving yourself of any “treats” for extended periods of time isn’t really sustainable. When I really want something sweet, choosing a snack like these will satisfy that craving but also give me plenty of protein and fiber. This means I’m not reaching for another snack a little while later. I could write an entire post on this topic… probably several posts… but I’ll leave that for another day.
Download the Recipe
Below is a printable PDF version of this recipe:
Let me know if you try this recipe!
Never miss a post! Subscribe below for new blog posts to be delivered straight to your email. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.
Leave a Reply