Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Crazy busy days happen to everybody, and nutrition is often the first thing to go. These easy-to-make cranberry almond energy bites are perfect for snacking on the go. Make a batch, toss a few into your bag before leaving home, and save yourself from snack time panic!

If making ahead of time or in a big batch, store the leftovers in the fridge in an air-tight container.

Ingredients

1 cup gluten-free oats
2 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop Vanilla Vega® Essentials
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 Tbsp natural almond butter
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
1/2 tsp each vanilla extract and almond extract
2 Tbsp flaked or roughly chopped almonds
2 Tbsp dried cranberries

Preparation

In a food processor, pulse the oats and chia seeds until they resemble flour. Stir them together in a large bowl with the Vega® Essentials and set aside.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat and toss the mashed banana, almond butter, maple syrup and coconut oil inside. Stir occasionally until the nut butter and coconut oil have melted. This should take 4 to 5 minutes and the mixture should resemble a purée.
Pour the banana mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients, almond milk, vanilla and almond extracts. Stir together to incorporate. The mixture should be similar to cookie dough.
Finally, mix in the almonds and cranberries.
Using your hands, roll the dough into 10 small balls.