Tart Cherry Pistachio Energy Balls are an incredibly easy snack option. They come together in minutes and are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and salty.
A Nutrition-Packed Snack That Keeps You Energized!
Do you love dried cherries? How about pistachios? Then you will adore these easy tart cherry pistachio energy balls. They’re a healthy little snack that delivers a boost of good fat and protein, with a little hint of sweetness plus the tartness of dried cherries.
I love energy balls because they’re a less carb-laden version of granola bars, easy to grab and go. They make a wholesome quick breakfast as you’re running out the door, and a great after-school (or after-work) snack. Next time you’re craving a quick bite to get you through until the next meal, grab one of these!
What Is an Energy Ball?
Energy balls are also called protein balls or energy bites. They are healthy snacks, usually made with dried fruit, nuts, and sometimes chocolate. Energy balls pack a punch of healthy fat and protein, helping you feel full and stay energized between meals.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s look at the mouthwatering ingredients that go into these fruit-filled energy balls. Everything here is so colorful and flavorful!
- Cherries: You will need dried tart cherries for this recipe. Fresh or frozen cherries have too much liquid.
- Pistachios: Shelled and salted.
- Almond Butter: A small amount of almond butter helps bind the mixture together.
- Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder or cacao powder.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness and helps the mixture stick together.
- Cinnamon: Just a little bit of cinnamon enhances the sweet flavors in this recipe, without being overpowering.
- Additional Cocoa Powder: For dusting the energy balls – this is optional.
How to Make Tart Cherry Pistachio Energy Balls
For this recipe, a food processor is essential equipment. It lets you blend and crush the ingredients to just the right consistency. Here’s how to do it:
Pulse the Ingredients. Combine all of the energy ball ingredients in a food processor, except the additional cocoa powder (that’s for dusting). Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped, about 10 to 20 times.
Process. Next, process for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed. You are looking for a mixture that is crumbly, but can be pressed to form a ball.
Roll! Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to them, and then squeeze about 1 tablespoon of the mixture tightly between your hands. Press and roll it into a ball, and then set it aside on a clean plate or tray while you roll the remaining mixture.
Optional: You can roll the energy balls in loose cocoa powder for an extra note of flavor and a pretty effect, if you like!
Helpful Recipe Notes
Are you excited to try these easy, fruit-and-nut-filled snacks? They are so tasty and never last long. And these simple tips make this easy recipe even easier.
- Cherry Substitutes: Dried cranberries, apricots, and even raisins are good substitutes for the cherries here. Keep in mind that some of these are sweeter than others, which will affect the overall taste.
- Wet Hands: The mixture will be somewhat sticky and pasty, so it’s helpful to wet your hands with water before handling it.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop or melon baller can be helpful for measuring even, uniform energy balls.
How to Store
Tart cherry pistachio energy balls will keep for 1 week in the refrigerator. Store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for maximum freshness.
Can I Freeze Energy Balls?
Yes, you can freeze these energy balls for three to six months. Just place them on a tray and freeze them until frozen solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container and mark it with the date. Store in your freezer, and thaw in the fridge to serve.
Tart Cherry Pistachio Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups dried cherries
- 1/3 cup shelled salted pistachios
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Additional cocoa powder optional, for coating
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, 10 to 20 times, then process for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as necessary, until the mixture is crumbly but can be pressed to form a cohesive ball.
- With wet hands (to prevent the mixture from sticking to them), squeeze about 1 tablespoon of the mixture tightly between your hands and roll into a ball.
- Optional: Roll balls in loose cocoa powder to coat.
- Place energy balls in a covered container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
