Cranberry, Orange, & Almond Energy Balls

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I don’t know about you, but now that warmer weather is here, I need more on-the-go snacks for nature excursions, backyard adventures, and pool antics. These cranberry, orange, and almond energy balls are perfect for just that! Tart cranberries and bright citrusy orange cut through the sweet dates and honey while baking spices warm in the background. The crunchy nuts and tropical coconut round out these flavors making for one tasty and satisfying bite. I like to dry my own cranberries for this recipe to ensure they are SCD legal, but by all means, if you can find a brand with no added sugars or illegal oils feel free to substitute them. Be sure to check your dates for added sugars as well, but be wary as many times they are not required to put this on their packaging. So how can you tell? If the dates stick together in a big clump and you have to almost fight to pull them apart, they have added sugars. However, if they pull apart very easily or even better, don’t stick at all they don’t have added sugars. I choose to store these in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. But, if you’re taking these on the go or know they will be consumed in a few days, there is no need to keep them cold. So, get outside and enjoy all Spring has to offer with these flavor-packed energy balls by your side!

                     

Cranberry, Orange, & Almond Energy Balls

Serves 7
Prep: 10 min
Drying: 45 min
Rolling: 2 min
Total: 57 min  
Beginner

Ingredients:

For the Dried Cranberries: 

2 tsp. olive oil

1 ¼ cup cranberries, fresh and halved 

For The Energy Balls: 

¼ cup almonds, raw

¼ cup walnuts, raw

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted (8-10)

1 ½ Tbsp. honey 

1 ½ Tbsp. coconut, shredded and unsweetened

1 Tbsp. orange zest (1 large orange)

½ tsp. cinnamon 

¼ tsp. clove, ground  

1 batch (¾ cup) of dried cranberries (above)

  Method Of Prep:

  1. Gather and prep ingredients.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
  3. Cut your cranberries in half vertically and place them in a bowl with your olive oil.
  4. Toss together and turn out onto your lined sheet tray in a single layer cut side up.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until dried and chewy.
  6. Remove from the oven to cool.
  7. Set up your food processor with the standard blade attachment.
  8. Add in almonds, walnuts, and dates.
  9. Pulse 8-10 times or until nuts and dates are broken down into small pieces.
  10. Add in your honey, coconut, orange zest, cinnamon, clove, and dried cranberries.
  11. Pulse 3-4 more times or until combined.
  12. Carefully remove the blade from your food processor and roll the mixture into balls.
  13. This recipe should yield 14 balls.
  14. Place in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!

                      

Nutrition Facts: (2 each) 
Calories- 177 
Carbs- 28.8 g
Fat- 7.4 g
Protein- 2.3 g