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This cranberry orange almond energy bites recipe is easy to make and perfect as a healthy snack or breakfast on the go!
It’s pretty much a sure thing that I’m going to love cranberry-orange anything, but I have to say that these little energy bites are especially delightful. ♡
They’re loaded up with some of my favorite feel-good energy bite ingredients, including almonds, oats, flax, shredded coconut, dates, dried cranberries, and fresh orange juice/zest. And they’re quick and easy to make in the food processor by just blitzing all of the ingredients together. Feel free to roll them in a bit of extra coconut or just serve them plain — both options are delicious!
We love having these energy bites on hand for healthy snacking or an easy grab-and-go breakfast. All of these ingredients also happen to be naturally gluten-free and vegan. And they keep well in the fridge or freezer, so I highly recommend making a double batch while you’re at it.
Let’s make some cranberry orange energy bites!
Cranberry Orange Energy Bite Ingredients
Here are a few brief notes about the ingredients you will need to make this cranberry orange almond energy bites recipe:
- Medjool dates: Soft, pitted Medjool dates serve as the natural sweetener for these energy bites and help bind the ingredients together.
- Almonds: I typically use whole raw almonds, but you are welcome to toast the almonds first if you prefer.
- Dried cranberries: I typically use unsweetened dried cranberries, but sweetened dried cranberries will work too.
- Old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned (or “rolled”) oats will serve the whole grain base for these energy bites.
- Shredded coconut: I typically use unsweetened shredded coconut in this recipe, but sweetened shredded coconut will work too.
- Ground flax seed: I love adding in a few tablespoons of ground flax seed for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Vanilla extract: This complements the flavors of the orange, cranberry and almonds so well.
- Salt: To help bring out the best of all of these flavors.
- Fresh orange: We will use both the zest of a fresh orange plus a hint of the juice in the energy bites. You’re also welcome to combine some more orange zest with extra shredded coconut to create a coating.
Potential Recipe Variations
Here are a few additional variations that you’re welcome to try with this energy bite recipe:
- Use different nuts/seeds: Use any other variety or cut (sliced, slivered, chopped, etc) of almonds that you prefer. Or sub in a different type of nuts for the almonds altogether. For example, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts or sunflower seeds would all be delicious options.
- Use different dried fruit: Use any other variety of dried fruit that you prefer in place of the dried cranberries. For example, dried cherries, apricots, mango, figs or raisins would all be great options.
- Use a different sweetener: I find that dates really work best for this recipe, but you are welcome to use honey to sweeten them if you prefer. If using honey, I recommend chilling the ingredient mixture before rolling into balls, and just note that they will not stick together as easily.
- Add cocoa: Add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to give this recipe a chocolatey twist.
- Add extra mix-ins: Add in a tablespoon of protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds in place of one of the tablespoons of ground flax.
More Energy Bite Recipes
Looking for more yummy energy bite recipes to try? Here are a few of our faves:
Energy bite ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10 to 12 dates)
- 1 cup whole raw almonds
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- zest of 1 orange + 2 tablespoons orange juice
Optional orange-coconut coating:
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- zest of 1 orange
- Blend. Combine all of the energy bite ingredients in a food processor and pulse, pausing to scrape down the sides anytime needed, until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Roll into balls. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop (or a spoon), scoop the mixture into heaping tablespoon-fulls. Then roll into round balls, about 1-inch each in diameter. (If you briefly wet your hands with water before rolling, it will help the mixture not to stick.)
- Mix the coating (if using). Stir together the shredded coconut and orange zest in a small bowl until combined. Roll the balls in the coating, if you would like.
- Serve or store. Then serve and enjoy! Any leftover energy bites can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
