Effortless Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites Recipe

Sweet & Nutty Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites Recipe

Packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor, these cherry pecan chia energy bites deliver a powerful punch of wholesome goodness.

Each small bite combines rich pecans with tangy dried cherries and nutrient-dense chia seeds.

No baking required means you can whip up these delightful treats in minutes.

The natural sweetness from dates blends perfectly with crunchy nuts and chewy fruit.

Raw ingredients create a satisfying snack that fuels your body and delights your taste buds.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to enjoy, these energy bites promise a delectable boost of natural energy whenever you need it.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple, nourishing snack that keeps you moving and grooving.

Tools to Make Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
  • Tablespoon or small cookie scoop: Perfect for creating uniform, bite-sized energy balls.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping cherries and pecans into small pieces.
  • Sharp knife: Helps in precise chopping of nuts and dried cherries.
  • Parchment paper: Provides a clean surface for forming and storing energy bites.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Step-by-Step for No Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites

  • Gather and Combine Dry Elements

Toss all your dry goodies into a spacious mixing bowl – chewy oats, tangy dried cherries, crunchy pecans, tiny chia seeds, and a whisper of sea salt. These ingredients will create a delightful texture explosion.

  • Blend Sticky Companions

Pour in creamy almond butter, sweet golden honey, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture transforms into a deliciously clingy dough that holds its shape.

  • Chill and Solidify

Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for a quick 20-30 minute rest. This cooling break helps the mixture firm up, making it super easy to shape into perfect little bites.

  • Roll Into Tasty Nuggets

After chilling, grab a spoon or small scoop and roll the mixture into adorable bite-sized balls. Arrange these energy-packed morsels on a parchment-lined tray, creating a tempting treat lineup.

  • Store and Enjoy

Tuck your energy bites into an airtight container. They’ll hang out happily in the refrigerator for a week or hibernate in the freezer for up to three months, ready to provide a quick energy boost whenever you need it.

Flavor Ideas & Nutrition Tips for Energy Bites

  • Chill Before Shaping: Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to make rolling easier and help the bites hold their shape perfectly.
  • Perfect Texture Trick: If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more almond butter or honey to help bind the ingredients and create a smoother consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Friendly: Swap honey with maple syrup to make the recipe completely vegan and plant-based friendly.
  • Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies while maintaining a similar crunchy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These energy bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack for busy weeks.

Serving Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites on the Go

  • Energy Boost Companion: Pack these bites in small containers for quick mid-morning or afternoon work snacks that provide instant nutrition and sustained energy.
  • Breakfast Sidekick: Pair with Greek yogurt or smoothie for a complete morning meal that delivers protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from cherries.
  • Post-Workout Refuel: Grab 2-3 bites after exercise to replenish muscles with protein from pecans and quick carbohydrate recovery from honey and oats.
  • Mindful Dessert Alternative: Enjoy as a guilt-free sweet treat that satisfies sugar cravings while offering nutritional benefits instead of processed sugary snacks.

Storing Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites Smartly

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store energy bites in a sealed glass container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freezing Technique: Layer bites between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking and preserve individual texture.
  • Grab-and-Go Portioning: Individually wrap bites in small plastic wrap or parchment squares for easy transport during workouts, hikes, or busy mornings.
  • Smart Thawing Method: Remove frozen energy bites 15-20 minutes before consuming, allowing them to soften naturally at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 158 kcal

Servings: 12

What’s Inside the No Bake Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites

For Dry Base:
  • Oats: Hearty whole grain providing substantial texture and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
  • Chia Seeds: Tiny nutrition powerhouses packed with omega-3 fatty acids and promoting digestive health.
  • Sea Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances sweetness and supports electrolyte balance.
For Flavor and Crunch:
  • Cherries: Vibrant dried fruit offering natural sweetness, antioxidants, and delightful fruity bursts.
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts delivering rich, buttery taste and healthy monounsaturated fats for nutritional boost.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Almond Butter: Creamy protein-rich base that helps ingredients stick together and adds nutty richness.
  • Honey: Natural liquid sweetener providing smooth consistency and quick energy release.
  • Maple Syrup: Alternative sweetener with distinct caramel-like flavor and beneficial minerals.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that adds warm, comforting undertones to the energy bites.
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Effortless Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites Recipe

Effortless Cherry Pecan Chia Energy Bites


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sweet no bake cherry pecan chia energy bites combine wholesome ingredients for a delightful snack. Quick protein-packed morsels provide natural energy and satisfy hunger between meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (128 g) natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • ⅓ cup (113 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (60 g) raw pecans, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (70 g) dried cherries, chopped
  • ¼ cup (36 g) chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mixing Foundation: Combine rolled oats, dried cherries, pecans, chia seeds, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Binding Elements: Pour almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract over the dry mixture, thoroughly incorporating until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the prepared mixture for 25 minutes to enhance texture and allow flavors to harmonize, facilitating easier shaping.
  4. Forming Technique: Gently roll the chilled mixture into uniform, compact spheres using measured palm pressure, creating consistent bite-sized energy orbs.
  5. Storage Strategy: Arrange the crafted energy bites on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for extended preservation of up to three months, maintaining optimal taste and nutritional integrity.

Notes

  • Customize Texture Control: Adjust almond butter quantity for softer or firmer bites, adding more for smoother consistency or reducing for a denser bite.
  • Enhance Nutritional Boost: Swap regular honey with protein-rich alternatives like hemp or bee pollen honey for additional nutritional benefits and unique flavor profiles.
  • Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Create gluten-free variations by using certified gluten-free rolled oats and substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
  • Storage Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent refrigeration between 35-40°F to preserve texture, prevent ingredient separation, and maximize energy bite freshness for optimal taste and nutritional integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Breakfast
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 139
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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