No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Bars or Energy Balls

This quick and easy recipe allows for the possibility of two different breakfast and snack options -- either granola bars OR energy balls! This recipe comes together quickly and can be made in countless ways! Consider switching up the dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, nut/seed butter for different flavors. Once prepared, store the bars or energy balls in the refrigerator until ready to eat them. These can also keep well in a lunch box / cooler to take with you to work or to school!

Servings: About 12 servings

Individual Portion: 1 bar or 4 energy balls

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: At least 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup chunky natural peanut butter

1 cup flaxseed meal

3/4 cup agave nectar or honey

3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add oats, peanut butter, flaxseed meal, agave, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Mix until well-combined.
   

2. If making granola bars, press mixture into a 9x11-inch baking dish with the back of a spatula or spoon until pressed into a flat, even layer. Cover dish and refrigerate mixture for at least 1 hour. Mixture becomes firmer and easier to cut the longer it sits, ideally 24 hours. When mixture is firm enough to cut, cut into 12 bars and store these in the fridge.
   

3. If making energy balls, use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out the mixture from the bowl and roll with hands into a 1-inch ball. Continue to roll the rest of the mixture. Place energy balls in a flat storage container with a lid. Store in fridge for at least 1 hour and preferably for 24 hours prior to eating. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts: Serving size: 1 bar | Calories: 380 | Total Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g |

Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 0 mg | Total Carbs: 46 g | Dietary Fiber: 8 g | Sugars: 23 g | Protein: 10 g

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