No-Bake Cranberry Date Energy Bites

My post for No-Bake Energy Bites was a big hit and I've received lots of positive feedback regarding the recipe.  I've tinkered around with some variations in recent weeks and wanted to share with you another version.

My husband and kids have really come to love these bites.  The kids have fought over the last one or two each time I make them.

I really encourage you to play around with what works for you ... what you like and have on hand in your own pantry.  But, this cranberry date version is scrumptious.  It seems to have a perfect texture balance ... and a fabulous balance of sweet and salty.

Yields 25 - 30 bites/balls


Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter (I use all-natural chunky)
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry - not prepared)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (mine were roasted and salted, but raw would be great, too)
3 tablespoons toasted coconut
1/4 cup chopped dates
1/4 cup dried cranberries (or cherries)
1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.  You may have to press the mixture with your spoon or rubber spatula as you mix to really get everything well-incorporated.  If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, you can always squeeze in a little more honey or drop in an additional spoonful of peanut butter.

Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for thirty minutes.

Shape into balls with your hands.  You may have to squeeze tightly to form into tight balls ... especially if your mixture is a little on the dry side.  You can make the bites/balls any size you prefer ... I like mine around the size of a traditional meatball - about 1" in diameter.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks ... but, our batch barely lasts a day!

My inspiration for my energy bites comes from (and is adapted from) Gimme Some Oven.