Go Back
To make these tasty energy balls, you need: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, chopped - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of these energy balls. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Maple syrup can be swapped for honey if you prefer. For a nut-free option, choose sunflower seeds instead of pistachios. If you need gluten-free oats, make sure to check the label. You can also use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a twist. These energy balls pack a nutritional punch. - Rolled oats provide fiber for good digestion. - Almond butter offers healthy fats and protein. - Honey or maple syrup gives natural sweetness along with antioxidants. - Dried cranberries add vitamins and minerals. - Pistachios are rich in protein and healthy fats. - Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3s and fiber. - Vanilla extract not only adds flavor but also may help reduce stress. Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack that fuels your body and keeps you energized. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir everything together. You want it to be sticky and mixed well. Next, add 1 cup of chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped unsalted pistachios. Then mix in 1/4 cup of chia seeds. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are blended together. When mixing, use a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon. This helps in combining the thick almond butter with the oats. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more almond butter or syrup. If it's too wet, add a few more oats. You want a texture that holds together when you roll it into a ball. Make sure every bite has a bit of each ingredient for the best flavor. After mixing, place the bowl in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This makes the mixture easier to handle. Once chilled, take a tablespoon-sized portion and roll it into a ball with your hands. You can roll the balls in extra chopped pistachios or shredded coconut for a crunchy touch. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolled balls on it. Freeze for about 30 minutes to set. Store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your tasty, healthy snacks! To keep your energy balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can use a glass jar or a plastic container. Place a layer of parchment paper between the layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking and helps keep them intact. Store them in the fridge for up to a week. If you need more time, freeze them for later use. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cranberries and give a warm taste. For a crunchier texture, roll the balls in extra chopped pistachios or shredded coconut. This adds a fun look and makes them more exciting to eat. You can also mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. One mistake is not chilling the mixture long enough. If it’s too soft, rolling the balls can be tricky. Make sure to chill for at least 15 minutes. Another mistake is skipping the salt. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Lastly, don’t rush the mixing. Take your time to ensure all ingredients blend well. This makes for a tasty treat that holds together nicely. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and nutrition, choose high-quality, fresh dried cranberries and pistachios. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness level by using more or less honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other nuts, seeds, or superfoods like flaxseeds or hemp hearts for added nutrition. Storage Tips: Keep your energy balls in the freezer for longer shelf life; they can last up to three months when stored properly. {{image_2}} You can swap pistachios for other nuts. Try almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each nut adds a unique taste. Seeds also work well. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy twist. Just chop them up like the pistachios. This keeps the texture nice. If you want less sugar, use different sweeteners. Maple syrup is great, but try agave nectar too. For a sugar-free option, use stevia or monk fruit. These sweeteners give a nice flavor without the extra sugar. Mix them in just like honey or maple syrup. Want to get creative? Add chocolate chips or shredded coconut. Dark chocolate chips add sweetness and richness. Coconut gives a tropical feel. You can even toss in some dried fruits like apricots or figs. Just remember to keep the total mix balanced. Enjoy playing with flavors! To keep your Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying them out. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them in the fridge for best results. The cool temperature helps maintain their taste and texture. Want to save some for later? Freezing is a great option! After rolling the energy balls, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy them anytime. If stored correctly, these energy balls last a week in the fridge. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Enjoy these tasty treats whenever you need a quick energy boost! To make these energy balls vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. Use almond butter that has no added ingredients. Ensure the dried cranberries are not sweetened with honey. This simple change keeps the recipe plant-based. You can use fresh cranberries, but they are tart. Fresh cranberries have more moisture. You may need to adjust the amount of sweetener to balance the taste. If you do use fresh, chop them finely and mix them well into the mixture. These energy balls offer great nutrition. Each ball has about 100 calories. They are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Key nutrients include: - Rolled oats: Good for energy and digestion. - Almond butter: Provides protein and healthy fats. - Dried cranberries: Offer antioxidants and vitamins. - Pistachios: Add protein, fiber, and healthy fats. - Chia seeds: Are packed with omega-3s and fiber. These tasty bites can keep you full and satisfied! Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls are simple to make and fun to enjoy. We covered the key ingredients, their health perks, and how to mix and chill them just right. I shared handy tips for storing, flavoring, and avoiding common mistakes. You can also explore tasty variations with nuts, sweeteners, and mix-ins. Remember, proper storage keeps them fresh longer. With these insights, you can make your energy balls healthy and delicious. Enjoy creating your own tasty snacks!

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Balls

Healthy and delicious energy balls made with oats, almond butter, and cranberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup almond butter
  • 0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsalted pistachios, chopped
  • 0.25 cup chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Mix until well combined and sticky.
  • Add in the chopped cranberries, pistachios, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
  • Once mixed, refrigerate the mixture for about 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  • After chilling, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls using your hands.
  • If desired, roll the energy balls in extra chopped pistachios or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
  • Place the prepared energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Freeze them for about 30 minutes to set, then transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Chilling the mixture makes it easier to roll into balls.
Keyword energy balls, healthy, snack