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- 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt When I make Cranberry Orange Power Balls, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture. The rolled oats give a hearty base. Almond butter or peanut butter adds creaminess and energy. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the mix and helps bind it all together. Chopped dried cranberries bring a sweet and tart punch. The zest and juice from the orange brighten everything up. Chia seeds add a nice crunch and boost nutrition. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while a pinch of salt balances it all. - Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. - Use agave syrup or coconut sugar in place of honey or maple syrup. - Add protein powder or dark chocolate chips for extra energy. You can easily switch things up! If you're not a fan of almond butter, peanut butter works great too. For sweeteners, try agave syrup for a lighter taste. Want a chocolate twist? Sprinkle in some dark chocolate chips or a scoop of protein powder. These small changes can create a variety of tasty snacks. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of rolled oats. Next, scoop in 1/2 cup of almond butter. If you prefer, you can use peanut butter instead. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Stir all these ingredients together until they blend well. Now, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff. Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries. Then, zest one orange directly into the bowl. This gives a bright flavor. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice for a splash of tang. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until it forms a sticky mixture. Once your mixture is ready, cover the bowl. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to handle. After chilling, take it out. Use your hands to scoop out small amounts. Roll them into balls about 1 inch in size. Arrange these power balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a plate, leaving some space between them. Now, let’s get them nice and firm. Put the tray back in the fridge for another 30 minutes. This final chilling helps the power balls keep their shape. For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. To keep their texture, avoid leaving them out for long. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack! Chilling is key to getting the right texture for your power balls. When you chill the mixture, it firms up nicely. This makes it easier to roll into balls. Aim for about 30 minutes in the fridge. To handle sticky mixtures, wet your hands slightly. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking too much. You can also use a spatula to portion out the mixture before rolling. This makes it much easier to work with. For a fun presentation, arrange the power balls in a small bowl. You can sprinkle some extra chia seeds or orange zest on top. This adds a nice touch and makes them look appealing. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking. These power balls pair well with hot tea or cold juice. They also go great with yogurt or smoothies. Enjoy them as a quick snack or a healthy dessert! You can easily adjust the recipe for different diet needs. If you want it vegan, just use maple syrup instead of honey. For nut-free options, sunflower seed butter works well. Feel free to mix in other ingredients too. Try adding chopped nuts, seeds, or even dark chocolate chips. You can also switch the fruit. Dried apricots or raisins are tasty alternatives. The options are endless! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh orange juice and zest for a vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the power balls. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to substitute dried cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots or raisins, and add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to make the power balls sweeter or less sweet. Perfect Storage: Keep the power balls in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Cranberry Orange Power Balls. Adding different nuts or seeds can give them a nice crunch. Consider using walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Each option adds a unique flavor and texture. You can also swap out the dried cranberries. Try raisins, chopped dates, or even dried cherries. If you want a different twist, add some cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste. The zest of a lemon instead of orange can brighten the flavor too. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. They work just as well as regular oats. You can also make these power balls vegan. Just replace honey with maple syrup or agave. This keeps the sweetness without using animal products. Different cultures can inspire your power balls. For example, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. This gives a cozy feel, perfect for fall. You can also incorporate local fruits or nuts. If you live near a pecan farm, try using those instead of almonds. Experimenting with ingredients lets you create your own special version of these tasty snacks. To keep your Cranberry Orange Power Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. Place the container in the fridge. The cool air keeps the flavors bright and the texture firm. These power balls will last about one week in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold. If they feel dry or crumbly, they may be past their best. You can freeze the power balls for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. To serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight or leave them out for a few hours before eating. Making Cranberry Orange Power Balls takes about 1 hour. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of chilling time. You mix the ingredients in just a few minutes. The chilling helps the balls hold their shape. Yes, you can use other nut butters. Peanut butter works well and adds a nice flavor. Sunflower seed butter is another option for nut-free diets. Just keep the same amount as almond butter. Cranberry Orange Power Balls are healthy. They pack fiber from oats and chia seeds. Dried cranberries give natural sweetness and antioxidants. Nut butter adds healthy fats and protein. This snack is a great choice for energy. To adjust the sweetness, you can change the honey or maple syrup amount. If you want less sweetness, reduce the amount by a tablespoon. If you prefer more sweetness, add a little more. Taste the mixture before rolling. Yes, you can make these ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for about a week. Just prepare and chill them, then keep them in an airtight container. This makes snack time easy and quick. Cranberry Orange Power Balls are easy to make and full of flavor. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and variations. I shared tips for the right texture and how to customize these snacks. These bites offer a great mix of taste and health. You can make them for fun, easy snacks at home or on the go. Enjoy trying out different combinations to fit your taste. These power balls are sure to delight!

Cranberry Orange Power Balls

Healthy and delicious energy bites made with oats, nut butter, and cranberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 unit zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 0.25 cup chia seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until well mixed.
  • Add the chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, fresh orange juice, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
  • Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until a sticky mixture forms.
  • Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make the mixture easier to handle.
  • After chilling, use your hands to scoop and roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Place the power balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  • Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Arrange the power balls in a small bowl and sprinkle with a few extra chia seeds or orange zest for an appealing look. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking!
Keyword energy bites, healthy, snack