• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based Jess
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • 📧 Subscribe
  • Contact me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring Recipes
    • Recipes
    • About
    • 📧 Subscribe
    • Contact me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Index » Dessert

    Vanilla Cherry Energy Balls - Easy & Healthy

    Published: Apr 2, 2020 · Modified: Jan 3, 2022 by Jessica

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN SHARE

    These no-bake vanilla cherry energy balls are so delicious and easier to make than it seems! They are packed with nutritious ingredients and kept in the freezer, which makes them a fun healthy snack always ready to go. Using frozen cherries also makes these sweet treats accessible all year long!

    There are multiple vanilla cherry energy balls pilled up on a white plate with of them cut in half to show the cherry inside. There are more chia seeds on the side as well as a few pecans.

    Energy balls have long been a fun trend in recipe making. I mean, it is hard to beat how fast, healthy, convenient, versatile and delicious they are.

    And I think combining cherries with vanilla flavor is one of the best thing in the world! The slightly tart and sweet juicy cherries are surrounded by a caramel-like vanilla coating. It is so-so-good.

    When the cherry season is finally here, I'll make this cherry marmalade on repeat or simply eat them just like that covered with whipped cream. But why wait for the summer to enjoy these amazing tiny stone fruits?

    There are multiple vanilla cherry energy balls pilled up on a white plate with of them cut in half to show the cherry inside. There are more chia seeds on the side as well as a few pecans and dates.

    What you will need to make these vanilla cherry energy balls

    Using frozen cherries are what make this sweet treat so convenient and tasty! The cherry season is so short, but the frozen ones are available all year long.

    For the sweet vanilla coating, you will only need 4 ingredients: medjool dates, rolled oats, pecans and vanilla extract.

    I also like to roll the energy balls in chia seeds to add texture and bonus nutrients. But you can roll them in sesame seeds, shredded coconut or chopped nuts if you prefer.

    There are a few small white bowls containing dates, pecans, raw oats, chia seeds as well as a bottle of vanilla extract and a bag of frozen cherries.

    How to make these vanilla cherry energy balls

    There are 3 easy steps when making these raw bites:

    • Make the sweet oat base: simply process the ingredients until crumbly and sticky.
    The picture shows the inside of a food processor containing raw oats, pecans and dates.
    Showing inside a food processor containing a brown date paste in the shape of a ball.
    • Stuff the cherry: mesure about 2 tsp of the mixture and press the dough in the shape of a circle of about 2 inches. Then, put a frozen cherry in the middle, and wrap the dough around the cherry. Make sure it is completely hiding in there by rolling the ball in between your 2 hands.
    There are 2 hands squeezing a frozen cherry in a mixture made out of dates. There are more of the mixture in the background as well as frozen cherries.
    There are 2 hands pressing on a sticky brown mixture made out of dates. There are more of the mixture in the background as well as a white bowl with frozen cherries.
    There are 2 hands rolling on a energy ball. There are more of the mixture in the background as well as a white bowl with frozen cherries.
    There is a hand holding a energy ball with frozen cherries and more of the date mixture in the background.
    • Roll the balls: simply roll the ball in chia seeds until completely covered.
    There is a hand rolling a energy ball in chia seeds

    Watch how to make them

    YouTube video

    Tips when making these raw bites

    • Choose medjool dates for this recipe. You can find them in the produce section in your grocery store. They are larger, softer (which helps reach that sticky smooth texture when blended in the food processor) and have a delicious caramel taste.
    • Process the oat base until you reach a sticky and uniform dough. This means you will have to take breaks and stir the mixture in the food processor and then process again. The rolling process will be easier and it will be more pleasant to eat straight from the freezer if the nuts are well processed.
    • To reach the perfect soft and sticky texture, you might have to add a few tablespoons of water to the food processor (this will depend on how soft your dates are).
    • Leave the frozen cherries in the freezer until ready to stuff in the dough. It is easier to press the cherry in the middle of the dough if they are still hard from being frozen.
    There are multiple vanilla cherry energy balls pilled up on a white plate with of them cut in half to show the cherry inside. There are more chia seeds on the side as well as a few pecans.

    How to store these vanilla cherry energy bites

    Store in the freezer in an air tight container for up to 3 months.

    I eat them straight from the freezer! But, you can also let them rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes before enjoying.

    There are multiple vanilla cherry energy balls pilled up on a white plate with of them cut in half to show the cherry inside. There are more chia seeds on the side as well as a few pecans. There is a hand grabbing one of the energy ball.

    Other energy balls you might like

    • Rice krispie treats
    • Frozen almond banana bites
    • No bake matcha coconut balls
    • Edible cookie dough bites

    I hope you will love these fruity raw bites as much as we do! If you try them, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how they were.

    Stay in touch with Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and sign up for my Newsletter to be sure not to miss anything!

    📖 Recipe

    There are multiple vanilla cherry energy balls pilled up on a white plate with of them cut in half to show the cherry inside. There are more chia seeds on the side as well as a few pecans.

    Vanilla Cherry Energy Balls - Easy & Healthy

    5 from 5 votes
    These Vanilla cherry energy balls are so easy to make! Using frozen cherries makes them a healthy snack that you can enjoy all year long. The vanilla coating is packed with flavor and hides a sweet juicy cherry in the middle. And you will only need wholesome ingredients to make!
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time0 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Servings 20
    Author Jessica Laroche

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 medjool dates - pitted and roughly chopped
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • ½ cup pecans
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 20 frozen cherries
    • 1-3 tbsp water - optional
    • 4 tbsp chia seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Process the medjool dates, oats, pecans and vanilla extract in a food processor for few minutes until you reach a very smooth and sticky texture. Depending on your dates, you might need to add a few tbsp of water to help process the mixture.
    • Press about 2 tsp of the dough in the shape of a circle of about 2 inches, put a frozen cherry in the middle, and wrap the dough around the cherry. Completely cover the fruit with the dough to make sure the ball holds together, pressing the extremities on top of each other. Roll the ball in between your hands and set aside. Keep going until you used all the dough.
    • Then, roll the balls in chia seeds while applying a gentle pressure to make them stick to the balls. You could use a different topping, like unsweetened shredded coconut, hemps seeds or sesame seeds, if you prefer. They add a fun crunch!
    • Keep the raw bites in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to eat them straight from the freezer, but you can also thaw them at room temperature for 5 minutes before enjoying.

    Video

    YouTube video

    Notes

    • Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
    CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES!
    SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE BY EMAIL

    Pin it for later!

    More Easy Vegan Dessert Recipes

    • Matcha affogato over oat milk ice cream and garnished with white chocolate chips.
      Matcha Affogato
    • Front view on 2 vegan chocolate chip cookies in a mug with glasses of milk in the background.
      Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug (5-Min)
    • View on a small cup of vegan avocado chia chocolate pudding garnished with whipped cream and raspberries.
      Avocado Chia Seed Pudding (Easy Vegan Recipe)
    • Overhead view on a few dark chocolate pineapple garnished with different ingredients.
      Chocolate Covered Pineapple Slices

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura Manuel says

      March 06, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      These energy balls are so delicious and easy to make too! I have made many types of energy balls and these are my favorite tasting (and easiest to make). When I served them at a small gathering, I actually received applause for how tasty they are! Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

      Reply
    2. Linda says

      April 28, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good!! I love dates so much and this is such a healthy way to enjoy them. The second batch I made I rolled in coconut flakes and that worked really well too. This recipe is going in my recipe box!!

      Reply
    3. Anonymous says

      April 22, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      These are delicious!! I'll be making these again for sure: )

      Reply
    4. Ariel says

      April 15, 2020 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made these today, and they are absolutely delicious! Love the flavors of cherry, pecan, and vanilla together. I would have never thought to put fruit in the middle-- great idea. I think my medjool dates were a bit dry, so I added a couple extra, and soaked them in water first to help my dough stick together. Will definitely make them again!

      Reply
      • plantbasedjess says

        April 16, 2020 at 9:38 am

        I'm glad you loved them Ariel!

        Reply
    5. Nancy says

      April 04, 2020 at 11:33 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good and easy to make . I used frozen raspberries and that was yummy too.

      Reply
      • plantbasedjess says

        April 07, 2020 at 10:42 am

        Oh good idea to use the raspberries Nancy, I'll try it next time! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Nancy says

      April 02, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      Another great recipe!

      Reply
      • plantbasedjess says

        April 07, 2020 at 10:39 am

        Thanks Nancy! 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    ABOUT JESS


    Profile picture for Plant Based Jess in the kitchen.

    Hi there! I’m Jessica, a pasta obsessed French Canadian now living in beautiful Maine. I’m a mom of two, experienced foodie and ninja meal planner. I believe everyone can make stress-free plant-based meals with wholesome ingredients that your family and friends will love. 

    Join me in my kitchen to discover fun and creative recipes or click to find out more. Welcome!

    CONNECT WITH ME


    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    🌱 SPRING RECIPES


    • There is a white bowl that contains a creamy barley breakfast bowl that's topped with a strawberry and rhubarb quick compote. There is also a wooden spoon on the side of the bowl and fresh strawberries. Also beside the bowl, there is another breakfast bowl as well as a few small bowl containing more of the compote and fresh strawberries. The bowls are on a large pink hand towel and there is a cup of tea on the side.
      Barley breakfast bowl with a strawberry-rhubarb compote
    • Vegan Watermelon Salad with Mint and Cucumber
    • There is a portion of a vegan garlic pasta bake on a plate with a baking dish containing more of the pasta on the side. There are 2 forks, 2 glass and a pitcher of water on the side as well as a small plate with ground black pepper.
      Vegan Garlic Pasta Bake
    • There is a slice of a vegan spinach quiche that's being hold and close to the camera. You can see in the background the whole vegan spinach pie as well as a white and blue hand towel.
      Vegan Spinach Quiche (Gluten-Free)
    • Green pea pasta sauce with short noodles and a side of lemon wedge and more fresh basil.
      Creamy Green Pea Pasta Sauce (20-min Vegan Recipe)
    • View on a tall glass of mango cherry smoothie topped with flaxseed.
      Mango Cherry Smoothie

    POPULAR RECIPES


    • Overhead view on a dark plate filled with 3-ingredient almond flour peanut butter cookies with a glass of milk on the side.
      3-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • View on a glass of passion fruit mocktail with fresh passion fruits on the side.
      Passion Fruit Mocktail
    • Showing is a homemade easy buckwheat bread that's about half sliced. There are a few slices around the bread that are topped with peanut butter, yogurt and fruits.
      Easy Buckwheat Bread (No yeast, No kneading!)
    • There is a large spoon taking some oven-roasted potatoes and broccoli from a sheet pan.
      Oven-Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
    • Front angle view on a kale tonic with lemon juice.
      Kale Tonic (First Watch Copy Cat Recipe)
    • Front angle view on a small jar of flaxseed pudding layered with strawberry jam and fresh blueberries.
      Flaxseed Pudding

    Footer

    Copyright © 2021 Plant Based Jess

    Privacy Policy