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Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a no-bake energy bite that are easy to make and even easier to throw in your bag for a quick, healthy snack or treat. Oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, almond butter, honey, chia seeds and cinnamon are mixed together to create a sweet, delicious bite. 

CRANBERRY ALMOND ENERGY BITES

Did you guys know that February 16th is Almond Day and February is National Snacking Month and American Heart Month {fitting for Valentine’s Day}!

I love everything about this healthy month.

To celebrate I am teaming up with California Almonds to bring you these Cranberry Almond Energy Bites. These bite sized snacks are no-bake and will only take you about 15 minutes to make.

You can feel good about snacking on energy bites in the afternoon or eating one or two after dinner for a treat.

These Cranberry Almond Energy Bites mix together oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, almond butter, honey, chia seeds and cinnamon to create a delicious combination.

The chopped almonds give these energy bites a nice touch of crunch and of course adds protein.

If you love almonds as much as I do you will be happy to hear that new research shows that a healthy handful of almonds provides up to 25% fewer calories than previously thought, compared to the number of calories listed on nutrition labels.

Just one ounce of almonds (about 23) packs 6 grams of hunger-fighting protein.  Recent research shows crunching on 1.5 ounces of almonds daily curbs appetite without increasing calorie intake or body weight.

I love keeping almonds in my car for those moments when the hunger sets in and I have nothing healthy to reach for.  They offer fiber, protein and healthy fat to keep you satisfied and energized all day long.  

Almonds are such a versatile snack and can be used in different forms in everything from smoothies made with almond butter, to breads made with almond flour, or simply a handful for a smart on-the-go snack.

Here are a few nutritional facts about California Almonds that you might like to know! Just 1 ounce (28 grams):

• Is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin E and magnesium.
• Provides 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
• Is a source of calcium (8% DV), potassium (6% DV), phosphorus (15% DV), and iron (6% DV).
• Has 13 gramds of “good” unsaturated fat.
• Has only 1 gram of saturated fat.
• Is naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free.

It’s easy to bring more crunchy and delicious almonds into your diet with these ideas:

• Snacks on a handful in the car
• Keep them at your desk to crunch out the afternoon crash
• Toss them in your gym bag for briefcase
• Add them to your smoothies
• Throw a handful in your morning oatmeal
• Add them to your meals throughout the day to add hearty crunch and unique flavor.

No-bake treats have been one of my favorite, healthy snacks for a long time now and these Cranberry Almond Energy Bites do not disappoint.

I love keeping a few of these in a container in my car during the day so I can pop them in my mouth when I need a quick pick-me-up. My kids also love these.

If you make a double batch you can freeze half of them for later. I usually put half of the bites in a freezer safe bag and leave them in the freezer. When I am ready to eat them I pull a few out and set them on the counter.

They usually thaw in a half hour and are ready to eat!

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites are a no-bake energy bite that are easy to make and even easier to throw in your bag for a quick, healthy snack or treat. Oats, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, almond butter, honey, chia seeds and cinnamon are mixed together to create a sweet, delicious bite.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup California Almonds, chopped
• 1/3 shredded coconut {I used unsweetened but you can use sweetened if you like}
• 1/3 dried cranberries {or dried fruit of your choice-try dried blueberries or raisins}
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoons chia seeds {optional}
• 3/4 cup almond butter {or nut butter of your choice}
• 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

1. Using a food processor pulse the almond until they are roughly chopped {you can also use a knife and cutting board to chop the almonds}.
2. In a large mixing bowl mix together the dry ingredients: oat, almonds, coconut, cranberries, cinnamon and chia seeds. Add the almond butter and honey and fold the ingredients together.
3. Put wax paper on a baking sheet. Using a large cookie scoop or Tablespoon shape each energy bite and roll with your hands and place on the baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate the energy bites for 2 hours to help them harden.
5. Store the remaining energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

You can use any nut butter you want. If you use almond butter make sure you find the kind that is just almonds. You want the almond butter to be thin and have the liquid on the top to help hold all of the ingredients together.

You can try a variety of dried fruit like blueberries or raisins. Sometimes I like to even throw a few chocolate chips in.

You can use maple syrup in place of the honey if you like.