Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls are a Plant-Based Pick-Me-Up

For a wholesome, on-the-go option, try these chocolate cherry pecan energy balls. They’re perfect for school snacks, desk drawers or quick afternoon energy, and they fit almost any dietary need.

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls are a Plant-Based Pick-Me-Up

A smattering of dates give these wholesome snacks just the right amount of sweetness. But here are some tips for adjusting the taste as desired.

Choose Your Cherries Wisely. If you have sugar-free needs, be sure to pick dried cherries that are unsweetened. I prefer to use unsweetened dark sweet cherries, which are usually Bing cherries – a common sweet cherry. You can use tart cherries, but they will make less sweet energy balls.

Get Your Chocolate Fix. You can omit the powdered cocoa coating, or you can go for an even bigger chocolate hit. You can roll the balls in crunchy cacao nibs, or add some cacao nibs to the mixture before rolling. If you’re in a sweet mood, go ahead and add some dairy-free mini chocolate chips!

Go Grain Free. You can substitute your favorite dairy-free protein powder for the oats, if desired. The texture will be a little smoother and a little thicker, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

This recipe with photo for Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls was shared with us by AmericanPecan.com.

Special Diet Notes: Chocolate Cherry Pecan Energy Balls

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

American Pecan Council

Cherry Pecan Energy Balls

5 from 1 vote

Dried cherries, dates and crunchy pecans combine for an all-natural burst of heart-smart nutrition to help you power through the day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 to 12 energy balls

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories:

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 cup toasted pecan halves or pieces
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 4 pitted medjool dates
• ¼ cup old-fashioned oats certified gluten-free, if needed
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder plus additional, for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Add the toasted pecans, dried cherries, dates, oats, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to your food processor. Pulse until the ingredients begin to bind and form loose, dough-like ball.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in additional cocoa powder.
3. Store the energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 1 week, and can be frozen to enjoy later.

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