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Photo:Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Active Time:20 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:8
Active Time:20 mins
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:8
Servings:
8
Jump to recipeTheseCranberry-Orange Energy Ballsare sure to be one of your favorite fall snacks. Sweet dates and honey balance out the tartness of the dried cranberries, while coconut contributes a subtle tropical feel. Fiber-rich oats provide energy and wholesomeness, and almond butter helps bring all the ingredients together while also adding protein. Orange juice and zest spike these balls with a citrusy finish. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to ensure uniformly sized balls.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!Medjool dates are a little softer and chewier than Deglet Noor dates, so you don’t have to soften them in hot water before using them in this recipe.Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for more uniform energy balls.If the energy balls are warming up and getting sticky while you’re rolling them, you can use gloves, slightly wet hands or lightly coat your hands with cooking spray. You can also try refrigerating the dough for a couple of hours and then forming the balls.Drizzle a little white chocolate over the top of the energy balls for some extra flair.Nutrition NotesTheorange,cranberryanddatesin these energy balls add antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for overall good health. Known for their vitamin C,orangessupport immune and skin health. And whilecranberriesin their whole state contain vitamin C, they lose most of it during the drying process. With that said, dried cranberries still provide gut-friendly fiber.Datescome in with more fiber and nutrients that benefit heart health.Heart-healthyoatsprovide complex carbohydrates and fiber, which slows down digestion and provides a steady supply of energy. Oats are known for their ability to help lower cholesterol. They also provide plant-based iron, which the vitamin C in the orange juice and zest will help your body absorb.Thealmond butterin this recipe not only acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together but it also adds plant protein, healthy fats, iron, fiber and vitamin E. The vitamin E in almond butter acts as an antioxidant, combating oxidative damage to your cells and protecting the heart.Coconutis one of those foods that has been controversial over the years. This is mostly due to its saturated fat content. According to the USDA, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut has 10 grams of fat, 9 of which are saturated fat. However, just as scientists are questioning whether thesaturated fat in dairy and eggsare as harmful as the saturated fat in highly processed foods, they’re also raising the question with coconut. Coconut adds some fiber, plant protein and antioxidants to these energy balls.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Jump to recipe
TheseCranberry-Orange Energy Ballsare sure to be one of your favorite fall snacks. Sweet dates and honey balance out the tartness of the dried cranberries, while coconut contributes a subtle tropical feel. Fiber-rich oats provide energy and wholesomeness, and almond butter helps bring all the ingredients together while also adding protein. Orange juice and zest spike these balls with a citrusy finish. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to ensure uniformly sized balls.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!Medjool dates are a little softer and chewier than Deglet Noor dates, so you don’t have to soften them in hot water before using them in this recipe.Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop for more uniform energy balls.If the energy balls are warming up and getting sticky while you’re rolling them, you can use gloves, slightly wet hands or lightly coat your hands with cooking spray. You can also try refrigerating the dough for a couple of hours and then forming the balls.Drizzle a little white chocolate over the top of the energy balls for some extra flair.Nutrition NotesTheorange,cranberryanddatesin these energy balls add antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for overall good health. Known for their vitamin C,orangessupport immune and skin health. And whilecranberriesin their whole state contain vitamin C, they lose most of it during the drying process. With that said, dried cranberries still provide gut-friendly fiber.Datescome in with more fiber and nutrients that benefit heart health.Heart-healthyoatsprovide complex carbohydrates and fiber, which slows down digestion and provides a steady supply of energy. Oats are known for their ability to help lower cholesterol. They also provide plant-based iron, which the vitamin C in the orange juice and zest will help your body absorb.Thealmond butterin this recipe not only acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together but it also adds plant protein, healthy fats, iron, fiber and vitamin E. The vitamin E in almond butter acts as an antioxidant, combating oxidative damage to your cells and protecting the heart.Coconutis one of those foods that has been controversial over the years. This is mostly due to its saturated fat content. According to the USDA, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut has 10 grams of fat, 9 of which are saturated fat. However, just as scientists are questioning whether thesaturated fat in dairy and eggsare as harmful as the saturated fat in highly processed foods, they’re also raising the question with coconut. Coconut adds some fiber, plant protein and antioxidants to these energy balls.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
TheseCranberry-Orange Energy Ballsare sure to be one of your favorite fall snacks. Sweet dates and honey balance out the tartness of the dried cranberries, while coconut contributes a subtle tropical feel. Fiber-rich oats provide energy and wholesomeness, and almond butter helps bring all the ingredients together while also adding protein. Orange juice and zest spike these balls with a citrusy finish. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to ensure uniformly sized balls.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
Nutrition Notes
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients1 cup pitted Medjooldates(about 8 dates)⅓cupunsweeteneddried cranberries¼cupsmooth naturalalmond butter¼cupunsweetened shredded coconut2tablespoonshoney1⅓cupsold-fashioned rolled oats1tablespoongratedorange zest2tablespoonsorange juice½teaspoonsalt
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
1 cup pitted Medjooldates(about 8 dates)
⅓cupunsweeteneddried cranberries
¼cupsmooth naturalalmond butter
¼cupunsweetened shredded coconut
2tablespoonshoney
1⅓cupsold-fashioned rolled oats
1tablespoongratedorange zest
2tablespoonsorange juice
½teaspoonsalt
DirectionsPlace 1 cup dates, ⅓ cup cranberries, ¼ cup each almond butter and coconut and 2 tablespoons honey in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 8 (1-second) pulses. Add 1⅓ cups oats, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice and ½ teaspoon salt; process until the mixture is crumbly but holds its shape when squeezed, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielUsing a 1-tablespoon measure, roll the date mixture into balls; place on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielTo make aheadRefrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.Nutrition InformationServing Size: 2 ballsCalories 186, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total Sugars 18g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 165mg, Potassium 273mgFrequently Asked QuestionsOf course. You can use dried blueberries and lemon juice with or without zest for another flavor profile.Yes, these energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store them for up to 1 week.Our recipe calls for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce added sugar and so it’s not too sweet, but you can use sweetened coconut if you wish.EatingWell.com, September 2024
Directions
Place 1 cup dates, ⅓ cup cranberries, ¼ cup each almond butter and coconut and 2 tablespoons honey in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 8 (1-second) pulses. Add 1⅓ cups oats, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice and ½ teaspoon salt; process until the mixture is crumbly but holds its shape when squeezed, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielUsing a 1-tablespoon measure, roll the date mixture into balls; place on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielTo make aheadRefrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.Nutrition InformationServing Size: 2 ballsCalories 186, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total Sugars 18g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 165mg, Potassium 273mgFrequently Asked QuestionsOf course. You can use dried blueberries and lemon juice with or without zest for another flavor profile.Yes, these energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store them for up to 1 week.Our recipe calls for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce added sugar and so it’s not too sweet, but you can use sweetened coconut if you wish.
Place 1 cup dates, ⅓ cup cranberries, ¼ cup each almond butter and coconut and 2 tablespoons honey in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 8 (1-second) pulses. Add 1⅓ cups oats, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice and ½ teaspoon salt; process until the mixture is crumbly but holds its shape when squeezed, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Using a 1-tablespoon measure, roll the date mixture into balls; place on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To make aheadRefrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
To make ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition InformationServing Size: 2 ballsCalories 186, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total Sugars 18g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 165mg, Potassium 273mg
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 2 ballsCalories 186, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total Sugars 18g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 165mg, Potassium 273mg
Serving Size: 2 balls
Calories 186, Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Total Sugars 18g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 4g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 165mg, Potassium 273mg
Frequently Asked QuestionsOf course. You can use dried blueberries and lemon juice with or without zest for another flavor profile.Yes, these energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store them for up to 1 week.Our recipe calls for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce added sugar and so it’s not too sweet, but you can use sweetened coconut if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course. You can use dried blueberries and lemon juice with or without zest for another flavor profile.
Yes, these energy balls are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store them for up to 1 week.
Our recipe calls for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce added sugar and so it’s not too sweet, but you can use sweetened coconut if you wish.
EatingWell.com, September 2024
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Carrie Myers, M.S.
andLinda Frahm
Linda Frahm
SourcesEatingWell is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about oureditorial policies and standardsto learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.U.S Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Unsweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened.
Sources
EatingWell is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about oureditorial policies and standardsto learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.U.S Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Unsweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened.
EatingWell is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about oureditorial policies and standardsto learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
U.S Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Unsweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened.
