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Pistachio & Cranberry Energy Balls

Name: Pistachio & Cranberry Energy Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 15 energy balls
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool date; 2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds; 3 Tbsp water; 1 cup rolled oats; ½ cup raw shelled pistachios; ½ cup raw cashews; ⅓ cup dried cranberries; ¼ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips; 2 Tbsp maple syrup; pure vanilla extract; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 pinch salt

30 min

Snack

10 ingredients or less

Freezer-friendly

Energy balls are a favourite fast no bake snack. They're easily tossed together using a chewy base of dates, oats, and maple syrup. This combination of pistachios, cashews, cranberries, and chocolate is exceptionally delicious. Enjoy this energy ball recipe with pistachio and cranberries as an on-the-go snack, or with a cup of tea at home!

energy balls

Total

30 min

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Contains

tree nut

Swap out

gluten

Free from

soy

peanut

sesame

Ingredients

1 cup (178 g)
Medjool dates, pits removed
2 Tbsp (14 g)
ground flaxseeds
3 Tbsp (45 mL)
water
1 cup (102 g)
rolled oats

gluten-free rolled oats
½ cup (69 g)
raw shelled pistachios
½ cup (65 g)
raw cashews

any nut of choice
⅓ cup (53 g)
dried cranberries

raisins

dried apples
¼ cup (42 g)
dairy-free dark chocolate chips
2 Tbsp (30 mL)
maple syrup

agave syrup
1 tsp (5 mL)
pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp
ground cinnamon (optional)
1 pinch
salt

Directions

Line a baking tray and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)*.
Mash the dates with a fork in a large bowl until smooth. Alternatively, blend in a food processor.
Then add the ground flaxseeds and water. Let sit for 5 minutes to gel.
Add the oats and nuts (if not pre-roasted) to the baking tray. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until lightly golden, stirring once halfway.
Remove the oats and nuts from the oven and let cool. Then finely chop and transfer to the large bowl**.
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix well.
Roll into bite-size balls. Wetting your hand with a bit of water may help to prevent sticking. Enjoy!

Notes

* We used top and bottom heating (not fan-assisted/convection).
** Alternatively, pulse a few times in a food processor.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition per energy ball

Calories 150 kcal

Total fat	6.2 g
Omega-3	0.2 g
Omega-6	1.2 g
Saturated fat	1.5 g
Trans fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol	0.0 mg

Total carbs	22.5 g
Dietary fiber	2.9 g
Total sugars	13.4 g
Added sugars	2.2 g
Protein	3.1 g
Sodium	13 mg

Iron	1.24 mg
Potassium	214.4 mg
Calcium	25.9 mg
Magnesium	43.5 mg
Zinc	0.82 mg
Copper	0.29 mg
Manganese	0.25 mg
Phosphorus	94.0 mg
Selenium	3 μg

Vitamin A	2 μg RAE
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Vitamin B12	0 μg
Vitamin C	0.3 mg
Vitamin D	0 μg
Vitamin E	0.3 mg
Vitamin K	2 μg
Folate	10 μg
Thiamin	0.1 mg
Riboflavin	0.1 mg
Niacin	0.5 mg
Choline	7.6 mg

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

Show nutrition info

More for the eyes

Process image of Pistachio & Cranberry Energy Balls

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Elis - Oct. 21, 2024, 5:13 p.m.

Ooooh! These turned out so incredibly good! Thank you for an excellent recipe!

Julie - Aug. 7, 2024, 5:10 p.m.

Dried sour cherries make a nice substitution to cranberries. Also if in a time crunch, pressing the mixture into a parchment lined baking dish and cutting into bite size squares works nicely.

PUL Team - Aug. 8, 2024, 5:58 a.m.

Ooo thanks for the ideas, Julie! Sounds lovely 🤤

Reid Wegrecki - July 22, 2024, 7:52 p.m.

These surprised me with how delicious they were! Only because I'm not usually a huge fan of dates but I'm glad I gave them a chance! Can't wait to eat the rest this week to keep up the energy during my summer job!

I did have to add a bit of hot water from the kettle to get the dates to soften enough to mash them with a fork. Also, I couldn't get the ingredients to stick together in a ball shape very well. Any tips?

PUL Team - July 24, 2024, 12:25 a.m.

Hey there, Reid, glad that you enjoyed the energy balls! Wetting your hands can make rolling a touch easier. Adding a bit more maple syrup or another sticky ingredient can also help if they're still too crumbly 🤗

Paige - June 24, 2024, 8:44 p.m.

These Pistachio & Cranberry Energy Bites are fantastic. I took your advice from the video and rolled them in toasted coconut; they are so delicious! One is the perfect amount for a filling and tasty snack. These are far better than the packaged energy bars. I will be making these again.

PUL Team - June 25, 2024, 11:32 p.m.

Yay! So glad that the recipe was a success, Paige, thank you 😊

Beunique - March 18, 2024, 3:25 p.m.

Well I decided I'd give these ago, as a healthy replacement for a biscuit.

They were easy and quick to make. I toasted the nuts and oats, GF as I'm Coeliac, and put the oven off. I removed these from the oven and put in some shredded coconut which toasted in the residual heat. Once I made the mixture I rolled in the coconut.

I've now just finished one and it was delicious . I'll make again and also try some others too.

PUL Team - March 20, 2024, 8:44 p.m.

Yay we're so thrilled that the recipe was enjoyed, Beunique! Thanks for sharing your experience with it as well 🤗

Charlie Anne - July 3, 2023, 10:17 a.m.

Hello Sadia & the PUL Team,

I noticed you often use dried cranberries in your cookie and granola recipes, is there a reason, other than taste, to use cranberries instead of raisins?
Raisins are usually more affordable and available. Dried cranberries usually have added sugar.
(I noticed it is a swap here on the blog, but the videos always use cranberries.)
I was just curious if cranberries have some particular nutritional benefit over raisins.
Thanks!

PUL Team - July 4, 2023, 4:23 a.m.

Hey Charlie, mostly just a personal preference 🤗 feel free to use raisins if they're preferred!

Charlie Anne - July 6, 2023, 8:25 p.m.

My oldest prefers cranberries too. Thanks! 😉

Kristin Goebel - July 2, 2023, 7:12 p.m.

Very tasty. I used almonds instead of cashews, and did not toast my oats, but they still came out delicious. I will probably skip the chocolate next time, found it to be a little distracting.

PUL Team - July 4, 2023, 3:46 a.m.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the recipe, Kristin!

Bea - March 11, 2023, 9:23 p.m.

Again another tasty healthy and easy to prepare dish! Absolutely loved it. I deleted the chocolate and swapped the cashew for almonds. So delicious!

PUL Team - March 11, 2023, 9:36 p.m.

So happy to hear, Bea, thank you 😃

Sarah - March 7, 2023, 8:32 p.m.

Hello PUL team !
I've made this recipe omitting the cranberries, and swithing the cashews by almonds, it is still a hell goodness of a recipe!! I've roll the balls into coconut shred, like you suggest in a another energy ball recipe on the website. Abolutely delicious... I woudn't ommiting the roasting step, it gives such a good flavour to the mix ! I recommand anyway ! Thank you for shearing this recipe !

PUL Team - March 8, 2023, 6:16 p.m.

Awe thank you for sharing your experience, Sarah, it means so much!

Irrum - Sept. 14, 2022, 9:49 p.m.

This is another amazing recipe. Thank you for sharing! Could I swap the dates for bananas?

PUL Team - Sept. 15, 2022, 8:12 p.m.

Hey there, Irrum! The dates help add some sweetness and stickiness to the balls, and we suspect that banana may not be sticky enough for the balls to form as a 1:1 substitute. If you give it a try and find the balls aren't sticky enough, you could try adding some blended dried fruit, some syrup, or nut butter. We hope you enjoy the recipe if you give it a try 🙂

Dora - July 11, 2022, 4:35 p.m.

I think I'm gonna cry happy tears. This website is just perfect.

PUL Team - July 12, 2022, 7:35 a.m.

Oh my gosh you're too kind, Dora 🥺

Kate - April 4, 2022, 4:42 p.m.

It's delicious. Tried to make it and it's well worth it! Will be making regular batches now. Thank you for the recipe and all the hard work you put into PUL.

PUL Team - April 5, 2022, 5:25 a.m.

Oh it means so much, Kate, thank YOU!

Kate - April 16, 2022, 12:43 p.m.

One little note as I made the second batch - it would be good to mention that you should moist your hands a bit to prevent the mixture from sticking (terribly) to them. It is very hard to make balls with all hands covered with the sticky mix, but keeping them moist makes it a breeze.

PUL Team - April 16, 2022, 6:57 p.m.

Thanks for the feedback, Kate, we've added a note to the recipe to help others avoid it 😊

Andie - Jan. 18, 2022, 2:02 a.m.

This is the Pick Up Limes recipe I make on regular basis. I, and my husband, highly recommend! It is nice to have something on hand for a quick snack that feels like a dessert. Once you have made it a few times, it gets faster to put together. I press it all into a pan and cut it into squares/bars instead of rolling it into balls.

PUL Team - Jan. 19, 2022, 5:07 p.m.

Aw we appreciate this so much, Andie! A lovely idea to make bars too 😃

Rukhsana - Jan. 16, 2022, 2:07 p.m.

Love this recipe.Easy.Quick.Delicious.Healthy.

PUL Team - Jan. 16, 2022, 8:24 p.m.

So glad they're being enjoyed, Rukhsana!

SS - Dec. 23, 2021, 11:41 a.m.

Hi! Can the ground flax seeds be omitted with affecting the recipe? Thanks!

PUL Team - Dec. 23, 2021, 9:25 p.m.

Hi there, SS, thanks for the question! The flaxseed and water gel helps the balls stick together. Ground chia seeds would work well as a substitute if that's accessible.

If it's desired to omit flax or chia seeds, we'd recommend playing around with adding nut or seed butter, more syrup, or pureed dried fruit (such as dates) to add some stickiness and limit the balls from crumbling apart. We hope this helps for now 🙂

Jessica - Oct. 25, 2021, 9:06 p.m.

super delicious! also love how easy it is to just swap out for different nuts/fruit.

Cath - Sept. 15, 2021, 3:36 p.m.

Very yummy energy balls, I'm a huge fan of pistachios, so they never last long in my fridge :3

Stacey H - Aug. 9, 2021, 12:47 a.m.

My husband and two-year old LOVE these! I made half into energy balls and then put some of the ingredients back into the food processor and pulsed them a little to make bars, too. They're like candy! I keep some frozen because I like putting a few into everyone's lunches throughout the month.

PUL Team - Aug. 9, 2021, 3:49 a.m.

Hey there, Stacey! Love the idea to make granola bars. Thanks for taking the time to share 😊

Jackie - July 24, 2021, 4:20 a.m.

These are one of my favorite snacks! I make a ton and freeze them. Then when I’m hungry I pop them out of the freezer and they are so good chilled! And with tea or coffee, delicious! Definitely toast the nuts yourself and if you are batch making these, try date paste which is essentially already mashed dates. (Great time saver). Thank you for the amazing recipes!

PUL Team - July 25, 2021, 9:18 p.m.

A lovely idea to use date paste, Jackie, so glad you're enjoying the energy balls 😊

AlexandraP - July 23, 2021, 7:47 a.m.

Really easy and amazing. Everyone vegan or not, love this one!!

Riley - July 10, 2021, 4:42 p.m.

My all time favourite snack! I've been making these for years. A great way to use up assorted nuts and dried fruit if you mix it up as well. Thanks Sadia (& PUL team).

PUL Team - July 15, 2021, 3:23 p.m.

Thank you, Riley! We're so happy your enjoying the recipe :)

Dylan - Aug. 18, 2021, 6:44 p.m.

I agree. I have tried different nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds etc.) all good combinations. Putting the coconut flakes inside has also been a good option. Ver customizable. This has been a staple for me. Great recipe. Cheers.

Vanshika - June 12, 2021, 9:05 p.m.

Hi Sadia
I tried this recipe and it turned out too delicious. I love your videos and your recipes.
Your videos motivate me to live a healthy lifestyle.
Thank you so much for this incredible recipe.
Love from India

PUL Team - June 13, 2021, midnight

So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Vanshika! Hugs to India 🤗

Meshki - May 11, 2021, 9:17 a.m.

Hey! ❤️
Can i grind them all to a chunky flour consistency? My mother can't eat crunchy things at the moments and i'm planing on making it for her

PUL Team - May 12, 2021, 4:43 a.m.

Hi there, Meshki! Thanks for the question 😃 We haven't tested it out, but you could grind the nuts and oats down to reduce the crunchiness. You may find that you need to add more nuts and oats to the mixture to help it stick together.

Alternatively, our Fudge Brownie Bites or Savoury Muffins may be two other recipes to try that are less crunchy to try. You can find them by searching for "Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bites" or "Savoury Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Muffins" 🤗

Meshki - May 12, 2021, 5:37 a.m.

Thank you so much for the reply!
I will try them out.i actually have made the brownie bites and we have them with tea in the afternoons.
I really appreciate your recipes and the effort you put into them❤️

PUL Team - May 12, 2021, 6:26 a.m.

Aww love that you enjoy the brownie bites with tea! Thank you for helping make our PUL family so special, Meshki 🥰

Louise Magnusson🇸🇪 - April 12, 2021, 5:16 p.m.

I absolutely love this snack, and it was easy to make. The extra time in the oven was worth it, as the oats also got a nice crunch! I like the idea to add oats in energy balls to gain additional fibres during the day. I used raisins instead of cranberries, which became a perfect combo with the chocolate and distinct pistachio flavour. I’m so happy to have your collection of snacks for variation between fresh fruits and vegetables 🤩

PUL Team - April 14, 2021, 2:08 a.m.

Thank you, Louise! Mmm raisins sound like a delicious substitute. Your review and support mean so much 🙂❤️