Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls are a naturally sweet, no-bake snack packed with chewy dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and hearty oats. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick energy boost, a healthy on-the-go snack, or a pre-workout bite. Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened, they’re as delicious as they are nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and easy to make in just 10 minutes
- Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy all week
- Customizable with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips
- Perfect for kids and adults as a healthy snack option
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned oats
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Dried cranberries
- Nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Chia seeds (optional for added nutrition)
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse oats, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries until finely chopped.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine the dry mixture with nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, and salt. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls using your hands. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more nut butter or honey.
- Chill: Place the energy balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 energy balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini dark chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Spiced Flavor: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy taste.
- Citrus Zing: Stir in a bit of orange zest to complement the cranberries.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—just grab and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes! Quick oats will create a slightly softer texture.
What if my mixture is too dry?
Add a little more nut butter or honey to help bind the ingredients together.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
No, fresh cranberries have too much moisture and will change the texture.
How do I make these energy balls vegan?
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I substitute the shredded coconut?
Yes, swap it for chopped nuts or additional oats if you don’t like coconut.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely! They’re a great healthy snack for kids.
Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect for meal prep—just store them in the fridge or freezer.
Do I need a food processor?
No, but it helps! You can chop ingredients finely by hand and mix everything in a bowl.
How do I keep them from sticking to my hands?
Lightly wet your hands with water or coat them with a bit of coconut oil when rolling the balls.
Can I add flaxseeds or hemp seeds?
Yes! They add extra nutrients without changing the taste too much.
Conclusion
Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls are a simple, healthy, and delicious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout bite, or a nutritious treat for the kids, these no-bake energy balls are a must-try. Make a batch today and enjoy a naturally sweet, energy-boosting snack!
PrintCranberry Coconut Energy Balls
These Cranberry Coconut Energy Balls are chewy, naturally sweet, and full of healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried cranberries. Perfect for meal prep, they’re an easy grab-and-go snack that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 energy balls 1x
- Category: Snack, Breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, if preferred)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (+ extra for rolling)
- ½ cup almonds or cashews (chopped)
- â…“ cup honey or maple syrup
- â…“ cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for extra nutrition)
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and chia seeds (if using).
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
- Roll into balls: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. If too dry, add a little more nut butter or honey.
- Coat with coconut (optional): Roll the balls in extra shredded coconut for added texture.
- Chill and enjoy: Place in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Swap almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower butter for a nut-free option.
- Add mini chocolate chips for a touch of indulgence!
- These are great for meal prep—double the batch and store extras in the freezer.