• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Snacking in Sneakers
  • Home
  • About + Contact
    • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Running + Triathlon
    • Free Training Plans
    • Running
    • Triathlon
    • Race Reviews
    • Fitness Tips & Workouts
  • Wellness + Travel
    • Nutrition
    • Health + Wellness Tips
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Journey to Healthy Eating: 28 Day Nutrition Challenge
    • Printable Fitness Planner
    • Triathlon Art – Set of 3 Digital Prints
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Chrissy
  • Recipe Box
  • Wellness + Travel
  • Fitness, Run & Tri
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Snacks

    Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites (Just 5 Ingredients!)

    August 14, 2023 by Chrissy Carroll 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Need a sweet treat that fuels your body in a nutritious way? Try these chocolate cherry energy bites! Made with just five ingredients, this recipe comes together easily and is perfect for meal prepping snacks for the week.

    Plus, isn’t chocolate and cherry the quintessential summertime pairing?!  Fresh sweet cherries are only in season for such a short time up here that I like to take advantage of them while I can.  Our local farm even has cherry picking going on right now.  And nothing goes better with them than chocolate.

    Note: This post was first published in 2017. It has been updated in 2023.

    Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links; as an affiliate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

    A bowl of chocolate cherry energy balls.

    Ingredients

    Here’s a photo of everything you’ll need to make these – just five ingredients!

    Oats, walnuts, dates, cherries, and chocolate in bowls.
    • Oats – You want rolled oats for this recipe, or instant oats will also work. Do not use steel cut oats; they’re too dense and tough for this recipe.
    • Dates – Look for pitted dates which you can typically find in the produce or dried fruit section of your grocery store.
    • Cherries – You’ll need to pit your cherries, which is admittedly a little bit of a pain – but I promise, it doesn’t take too long!
    • Walnuts – These add healthy fats and a little protein to the recipe.
    • Chocolate chips – Who doesn’t love that chocolate cherry combo?! Use dark chocolate for the best flavor and health benefits.

    Instructions

    This recipe is super simple to make! You’ll find the full instructions and amounts in the recipe card, but here’s a helpful overview with photos.

    Start by pitting your cherries. I find the easiest way to do this is to just take a small paring knife and quickly cut around the cherry, but you can do whatever is easiest! Add them to a measuring cup as you pit them until you’ve got half a cup.

    Now take all your ingredients and place them in a small food processor bowl.

    All energy bite ingredients added to a food processor bowl.

    Pulse the food processor bowl several times until all the ingredients come together, still have some texture, and is slightly sticky – like this:

    The chocolate cherry energy bite mixture in a food processor bowl.

    (If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a blender; you may need to scrape down the sides a few times, and be careful not to over process.)

    Now just grab a scoop of the mixture from the food processor bowl and roll it in your hands into a firm ball. Repeat until you’ve finished the mixture; it should make around 12 energy balls.

    A bowl of cherry chocolate energy bites on a table next to fresh cherries.

    Recipe FAQ

    Here are some common questions that may arise as you prepare this recipe:

    How should you store energy balls?

    Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Can you make energy balls gluten free and dairy free?

    Yes! To make gluten free, use certified gluten free oats (Like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats). To make dairy free, use a dairy-free dark chocolate brand (like Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Morsels).

    Are chocolate cherry energy balls good for kids?

    Yes, these energy bites can be a great snack for kids. They’re naturally sweetened and provide a mix of nutrients that can help keep their energy levels stable. However, always be mindful of potential allergies to any of the ingredients.

    Nutrition Benefits

    As a dietitian and runner – and someone who works with lots of runners! – I like finding nutrient-dense snack ideas that taste great and fuel your body.

    These energy bites provide fitness-fueling carbohydrates, key for supplying energy during intense runs and HIIT workouts. They also contain healthy fats that help your body absorb vitamins and keep you full longer.

    And using dark chocolate means you give your body a boost of polyphenols – plant-based compounds that have beneficial effects in your body! 

    Research is still relatively new, but there have been positive effects on anything from cardiovascular health to the gut microbiome to inflammation.  Yes, dark chocolate is totally good for you to include in your diet.  {PS – If you like science, check out this research study for a great review of the data.}

    Lastly – what active mama doesn’t love snacks that the whole family can get into?! My kiddo is a huge fan of these too, so it’s a win-win.

    A woman's hand holding a chocolate cherry energy ball.

    More Energy Ball Recipes

    Love all the meal prep energy bite recipes? Try one of these other tasty options:

    • Apple peanut butter energy bites
    • Lemon energy bites
    • Coconut almond date balls
    • Hungarian cookie energy bites
    • Chocolate coffee protein bites

    Give ‘em a try and let me know what you think! If you have a chance, feel free to leave a recipe rating or comment below.

    A close up of a chocolate cherry energy ball in a bowl.

    Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites

    Snacking in Sneakers
    Made with just 5 nutritious ingredients, chocolate cherry energy bites make a healthy sweet treat snack!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 120 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • ½ cup walnuts
    • ½ cup dates, pitted and chopped in half
    • ½ cup cherries, pitted
    • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    Directions:

    • Add all ingredients to a food processor. Pulse several times until everything is well combined.
    • Roll mixture into 12 balls and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to several days.

    Notes

    • If you need a gluten-free, dairy-free version of this recipe, be sure to select certified gluten free oats and dairy-free chocolate chips.
     
    Nutrition analysis (approximate for 1 energy bite): 120 calories, 5 g fat, 18 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 2 grams protein, Vitamin A: 0%, Vitamin C: 1%, Calcium: 2%, Iron: 7%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 120kcal
    Keyword chocolate cherry energy ball, chocolate cherry energy bite
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  Have you ever tried chocolate cherry energy bites?  What’s your favorite energy bite flavor combo?

    Feel free to pin this post to save for later!

    A bowl of chocolate cherry energy bites next to some fresh cherries scattered on the table.
    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
    Latest posts by Chrissy Carroll (see all)
    • Should Runners Lift Heavy Weights or Light Weights? - May 9, 2025
    • Do You Really Need to Cap Your Long Run at 3 Hours? - May 8, 2025
    • Healthy Double Chocolate Kodiak Cakes Cookies - April 29, 2025

    More Snacks

    • Two rice cakes next to nut butter, berries, apple, nuts, hemp hearts, and chocolate.
      Healthy Rice Cake Topping Ideas (From a Dietitian)
    • A mason jar filled with a cinnamon roll date smoothie, next to some fresh dates and a napkin.
      Cinnamon Roll Date Smoothie
    • Two red and white popcorn bowls filled with popcorn trail mix.
      Healthy Popcorn Trail Mix
    • A post workout banana peanut butter chocolate smoothie in a glass jar.
      Post-Workout Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie
    286 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Let’s connect!

    Instagram
    Facebook
    Pinterest
    Twitter

    Looking for something?

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Abbey Sharp

      July 10, 2017 at 11:28 am

      Chocolate and cherries is a match made in heaven. These look awesome.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:51 pm

        Right?! One of the classic summer flavor combos!

        Reply
    2. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner

      July 10, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      All of my favorite ingredients in one place and super easy too

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:51 pm

        Yes! Hope you get a chance to make them my friend 🙂

        Reply
    3. Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona

      July 10, 2017 at 5:34 pm

      These look like the perfect on the go snack to have ready. And I totally agree with you, the cherry and chocolate combination is always delicious.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        They are definitely perfect for grabbing one out of the fridge quick when you need something to tide you over. I love making a big batch and storing them to snack on over the next few days!

        Reply
    4. Paul

      July 10, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      I love all things cherry!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        Me too Paul!

        Reply
    5. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables

      July 10, 2017 at 7:40 pm

      5 stars
      My bestie loves the chocolate + cherry combo so I might have to make these for her the next time she visits! Yum!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        Yay! I hope you get a chance to surprise her with them!

        Reply
    6. Mikki

      July 10, 2017 at 10:21 pm

      These look so delicious and simple to make.. and your little one is adorable.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:53 pm

        Thank you for the compliments on the recipe – and my son! 😉

        Reply
    7. Natalie

      July 11, 2017 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      Hahah It’s TOTALLY crazy how much we evolve in just one year, I now 😀 I’m in process of going through my old posts and optimizing too. Like, what’s that.. bloggers summer mode?! hahah Anyway, I’m glad you pulled out this chocolate cherry brownies out and did this raw version because I’m absolutely crazy about that cherry-choco combo. These bites are perfect for summer 🙂 Yumm!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:54 pm

        YES. I’m looking back at things from two years ago that have no keyword, no good photos, no pin image. I have like 200 posts to optimize, lol.

        Reply
    8. Ilka

      July 11, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      Energy balls ae my favorite snack ever! Made with cherries and chocolate is super yummy!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:54 pm

        Me too! I love making all different flavor combos!

        Reply
        • Leigh

          October 24, 2019 at 11:20 am

          Can I use frozen cherries on this recipe?

          Reply
          • Chrissy Carroll

            October 28, 2019 at 7:46 pm

            Sure! I prefer them with fresh but you can use frozen and just toss ’em in the food processor with everything else. 🙂 Depending on the strength of your food processor, you may want to let the cherries thaw for a few minutes on the counter before using them.

            Reply
    9. Kim Kremer

      July 11, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      I am constantly amazed at how adorable your kid is. <3

      I've read enough to convince me of the physical benefit of eating dark chocolate. I've never needed convincing as to the emotional benefit. My current favorite is Endangered Species 88% – just the right balance of bitter and sweet.

      I'm not crazy about fresh cherries. It may be the hangover from eating my weight in them every summer. (We had a massive cherry tree in our back yard. What we didn't throw at each other, we ate.) We have a grafted sweet cherry for The Hubs and a tart cherry for me (some day, I'll have enough cherries to make my own juice; until then, I make pies). This year, we lost ALL of our cherries to Western Cherry Fly. I am a failure as an organic farmer – next year, we bomb the backyard. 😉

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 16, 2017 at 4:50 pm

        Aww, thank you! I think he’s adorable too but I’m obviously biased, lol.

        I LOVE the endgangered species variety. It’s either them or green and black that has an amazing dark chocolate with espresso chips in it. SOOOO good.

        Oh no, sorry to hear about the loss of cherries! I would be so sad!

        Reply
    10. Christina Bauer

      July 17, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      I have exactly this many cherries in my fridge right now – these look like the perfect use for them!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        July 18, 2017 at 7:55 am

        Yay, hope you enjoy the energy bites!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That’s me, Chrissy, and I’m here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I’m a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin’ gal.

    More about me →

    Latest

    • A woman's feet next to two sets of heavy kettlebells.
      Should Runners Lift Heavy Weights or Light Weights?
    • A man doing a long run outside on a dirt path.
      Do You Really Need to Cap Your Long Run at 3 Hours?
    • A stack of four Kodiak cakes double chocolate cookies.
      Healthy Double Chocolate Kodiak Cakes Cookies
    • A woman doing a forearm plank outside.
      Cross Training Tips for Runners (From a Coach)

    Let’s Connect!

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
    Latest posts by Chrissy Carroll (see all)
    • Should Runners Lift Heavy Weights or Light Weights? - May 9, 2025
    • Do You Really Need to Cap Your Long Run at 3 Hours? - May 8, 2025
    • Healthy Double Chocolate Kodiak Cakes Cookies - April 29, 2025

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Snacking in Sneakers

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
    Latest posts by Chrissy Carroll (see all)
    • Should Runners Lift Heavy Weights or Light Weights? - May 9, 2025
    • Do You Really Need to Cap Your Long Run at 3 Hours? - May 8, 2025
    • Healthy Double Chocolate Kodiak Cakes Cookies - April 29, 2025
    286 shares
    • 9

    Want smoothie recipes to fuel your fitness?

    Sign up for our email list and access a free e-book with 10 healthy smoothie recipes + tips on creating your own!

    Invalid email address
    Thanks for subscribing! Check your email for your smoothie e-book.