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Cranberry Orange Zest Energy Balls

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries unsweetened if you prefer less sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond butter or cashew/peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
  • Zest of 1 large orange about 1 tablespoon
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice start with 2, add more if dry
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Optional boosters 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flax, 2–4 tablespoons vanilla protein powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, a pinch of cinnamon
  • Optional coating extra shredded coconut, finely chopped nuts, or more orange zest

Method
 

  1. For a finer texture, pulse the oats in a food processor 4–6 times. If you like more chew, keep them whole. Both work.
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, cranberries, salt, and any dry boosters (chia, flax, protein powder, coconut).
  3. In a separate bowl, stir almond butter, honey/maple, vanilla, orange zest, and 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet into the dry. Stir with a sturdy spoon or your hands. If it's crumbly, add an extra 1 teaspoon of orange juice at a time until the mixture holds when pressed.
  5. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. This firms it up and prevents sticky palms. You're welcome.
  6. Scoop 1–1.5 tablespoons per ball (a small cookie scoop is clutch). Roll into 16–20 balls.
  7. Roll balls in coconut, chopped nuts, or a micro-grate of fresh zest for extra flair.
  8. Chill 15 minutes to set, or freeze for a faster firm-up. Eat, smile, repeat.