An irresistibly sweet treat, perfect for afternoon snackin’!
Going on a trip? Need an easy snack for the kids? On-the-go constantly? If you said yes to any of these, you need some Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls in your life. Made with clean, whole, allergen-friendly ingredients (and, of course, chocolatey goodness), this snack is hard to resist. Whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and you’ll be set when hunger strikes!
Heyoo! Nick and I are wrapping up our second vacation of the summer (one more to go!) and it feels like we’ve been constantly on the go.
Nick jokes that my entire carry on is for food… and he’s right.
I don’t go on vacation with at least enough snacks to get me through the month 😂. Actually, it might be true. He always says I bring too much, but then he’s the one who ends up eating at least half.
Any other wives out there wonder what their husbands would do without them?! 🙋🏻♀️
Long story short, I don’t go anywhere without a handful of snacks stuffed in my purse!
Energy balls always make the packing list, whether it’s my Chocolate Cranberry Protein Energy Balls, Blueberry Energy Balls, or Cookie Dough Energy Balls recipe. They make the perfect grab-n-go snack for a quick bite to hold you over between meals or even a meal replacement (like breakfast).
Either way, they are a staple.
The best part? The recipe is allergen friendly, so if you’re sensitive to nuts, like me, this one’s for you!
Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Ball Ingredients
- medjool dates
- dried cherries (preferably unsweetened)
- pumpkin seeds (I like sprouted ones)
- unsweetened cocao powder
- pink himalayan salt
- dark chocolate chips
- protein powder (chocolate or unflavored)
- Optional: chia seeds
Remember to watch for added sugar in the dried cherries. It’s almost impossible to avoid, but if you can, do! Shoreline Fruit doesn’t add sugar to their products, you could also check Whole Foods to see if they have any options. If you know of others, let me know!
How to Make Energy Balls
You know easy is the name of my game, so 3 simple steps are all it takes!
- Pit the medjool dates and toss all the other ingredients into the food processor.
- Mix on medium to high (Ninja users – dough function) for 1 – 2 minutes until the ingredients start to dough/combine. (If the medjool dates aren’t super sticky, you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water. Add in increments and check before adding more water. It won’t take a lot!)
- Using a cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls and place on a plate/baking sheet with parchment paper. Place in freezer for 10 – 30 minutes. Then transfer the energy balls to an airtight container and store them in the fridge.
I drizzled extra chocolate on top for the pictures, but it’s definitely not necessary, but also totally acceptable 😉 happy snacking!
- • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- • 1 cup dried cherries (preferably unsweetened)
- • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- • ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
- • 2 scoops protein powder/collagen (chocolate or unflavored)
- • pinch of pink himalyan salt
- • 1 teaspoon water, if needed
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pit the medjool dates and toss all the other ingredients into the food processor.
- Blend on medium spend for 1 - 2 minutes until the ingredients start to dough/combine. (If the medjool dates aren’t fresh/sticky, you might need to add a teaspoon or two of water. Add in increments and check before adding more water. It won’t take a lot.)
- Use a cookie scoop and roll the dough into balls.
- Place the balls on a plate/baking sheet with parchment paper and place in freezer for 10 - 30 minutes. Then transfer the energy balls to an airtight container and store them in the fridge.
- Enjoy!
Looking for other on-the-go snack ideas? Check out my favorites:
