If you love Larabars but hate the price tag, these Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites are about to become your new go-to. They’re a homemade take on the classic Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte flavor, and they belong on every list of easy healthy snacks.
This is the kind of quick recipe that comes together in under 10 minutes with just a food processor and a handful of pantry staples. No baking, no cooking, no fuss.
Whether you need a snack box idea for the kids, a plate idea for after-school snacking, or a quick homemade bite before work, these chewy, chocolatey bites deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these simple energy bites.
- Ready in about 8 minutes, start to finish
- No baking or cooking required
- Naturally sweetened with dates and dried cherries
- Tastes just like a store-bought Larabar, for a fraction of the cost
- Great make-ahead snack for busy weeks
- Easy to customize with coconut, nut butter, or extra sweetness
- Perfect for kids, toddlers, and on-the-go snacking
Because the whole recipe relies on just a food processor and a short list of ingredients, this is exactly the kind of simple, easy recipe that fits into even the busiest schedule.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
A few small details can affect how these bites hold together.
Not adjusting for dry dates or cherries. Depending on how moist your dates and dried cherries are, the mixture may need extra liquid. Add water or cherry juice one tablespoon at a time until it blends smoothly.
Underprocessing the nuts. If the almonds and walnuts aren’t finely chopped before adding the rest of the ingredients, the mixture won’t bind well. Pulse them thoroughly first for the best texture.
Adding chocolate chips too early. Folding the chocolate chips in during processing can cause them to melt or blend into the mixture. Knead them in by hand after the base mixture is ready.
Skipping the squeeze step. A gentle squeeze while portioning helps the balls hold their shape. Simply rolling loose mixture without pressing first can leave the bites crumbly.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient here plays a specific role in flavor and texture.
Almonds and Walnuts
Raw almonds and walnuts form the base of these bites, giving them a hearty texture and a good dose of healthy fats. Cashews work as a substitute for the almonds if that’s what you have on hand.
Dried Cherries
Dried cherries bring the signature fruity flavor that makes these bites taste like the Larabar they’re inspired by. Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the dates.
Medjool Dates
Soft medjool dates act as the natural sweetener and binder, helping hold the entire mixture together without any added sugar.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
A tablespoon of cocoa powder adds a rich, chocolatey depth that pairs perfectly with the cherries and mini chocolate chips.
Mini Chocolate Chips
Folded in by hand at the end, mini chocolate chips add pockets of melty sweetness throughout every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites
- Pulse the almonds and walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the dates, dried cherries, cocoa powder, and salt, then pulse with one tablespoon of water, adding more as needed until the mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
- Remove the mixture from the processor and spread it onto a piece of parchment paper or a cutting board.
- Fold and knead in the mini chocolate chips by hand.
- Scoop into portions of about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons, gently squeeze, then roll into balls.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
Variations & Tips
This recipe is easy to adjust depending on your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Tropical twist: Roll the finished bites in shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Extra sweetness: Add a touch of honey if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Nut swap: Cashews can replace either the almonds or walnuts for a milder, buttery flavor.
Pro tip: Buying pre-chopped baking walnuts is often cheaper and works just as well since they get pulsed anyway.
Pro tip: These taste even better once thawed to room temperature, so consider letting them sit out for a few minutes before snacking.
FAQs
How long do chocolate cherry energy bites last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze these energy bites? Yes, they freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
What can I use instead of dried cherries? If you don’t have dried cherries, try swapping in extra dates or another dried fruit, adjusting the liquid as needed to keep the mixture from getting too dry.
Are these a good snack for kids or toddlers? Yes, their soft, chewy texture and mild sweetness make them an easy, portable snack for kids, though smaller pieces are best for younger toddlers.
Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites
Equipment
- food processor
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- parchment paper or wax paper
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds or cashews
- 1/2 cup raw unsalted walnuts
- 3/4 cup dried cherries
- 9 large Medjool dates, pitted
- 2-3 tablespoons water or cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pulse the almonds (or cashews) and walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add the dates, dried cherries, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Add 1 tablespoon of water or cherry juice and pulse until sticky, adding more liquid 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Transfer the mixture onto parchment paper or a cutting board and gently knead in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop 1½–2 tablespoon portions, gently squeeze the mixture together, and roll into balls.
- Store the energy bites in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Enjoy chilled or allow them to come to room temperature before serving.