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Home / Recipes / Snacks / Cherry Walnut Bites (Naturally Sweetened)

Cherry Walnut Bites (Naturally Sweetened)

Published June 6, 2016. Last updated November 19, 2019 by Samantha Rowland

Cherry walnut recovery bites in a white bowl with walnuts and dried cherries in the background.
Gluten FreeVeganPaleoHigh Protein

I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

5 from 5 votes
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These cherry walnut bites are the perfect way to fuel for recovery after a workout! Packed with healthy fats, protein, and naturally sweetened, these vegan, gluten free, paleo friendly treats will be your new favorite snack.

cherry walnut bites packed in a bowl

Have you ever had a crazy intense workout and even days later you are still feeling sore? Well instead of popping an over the counter pill, try reducing your inflammation with food! I know it sounds crazy but it works! Dark cherries, ginger, and walnuts are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties! Like I really needed to give you a reason to devour these yummy cherry walnut bites!

cherry walnut bites packed in a bowl with walnuts

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After almost 2 months of not having the energy or time to workout, I can happily say that I have been in the gym or working out at home for the past week without fail. Everyday I feel like I have a little more energy and I am trying to really push myself at the gym when I’m there with super-sets and high intensity interval workouts! Let me tell you I feel like I’ve never worked out before, I am SORE! It’s a good sore, but it can be a bit difficult since I have to demo exercises, have lots of energy and be ready to get down and dirty with my crew if I think they could use the energy or motivation.

cherry walnut bites packed in a bowl with raisins

All of that requires that I take care of my body. I can’t walk around sore and stiff for days at a time. That’s why I keep yummy snacks like these cherry walnut bites around! The omega-3 fatty acids in the walnuts are a natural way to reduce inflammation in the body. The dark dried cherries have no added sugar and are known to help reduce inflammation. Ginger, prized for helping relieve stomach problems, has also been used for centuries as a natural way to relieve muscle inflammation.

cherry walnut bites recipe

Heads up though, you don’t want to completely remove inflammation from the body. That’s why you will never hear me recommend an over the counter pain reliever to my clients. Your body must go through the inflammation process to allow your muscles to grow! Inflammation is the bodies response to the workout you did and inflammation will elicit recovery. The thought is that without allowing the inflammation to occur, it will actually take longer for the muscles to recover.

cherry walnut bites on a serving plate

Cherry Walnut Bites are Clean Fuel!

That’s why I would rather stick with these cherry walnut bites! They are packed with clean fuel for your body too! Healthy fats from the walnuts, quick carbs from the cherries, protein and fiber from the protein powder, chia seeds and coconut flour. Nothing unnecessary in here! All tasty clean eats!

cherry walnut bites staked

Love the easy that energy bites bring to your healthy snacking? Be sure to check out these Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites.

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Cherry walnut recovery bites in a white bowl with walnuts and dried cherries in the background.

Cherry Walnut Recovery Bites

These cherry walnut recovery bites are packed with protein, healthy fats and naturally sweetened. Vegan, gluten free, grain free and paleo friendly, the perfect post workout snack!
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: energy bites
Prep Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 15
Author: Samantha Rowland

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries - soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
  • 1 1/2 cups California walnuts - divided
  • 3 tbs. water
  • 2 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
  • 1 tbs. chia seeds
  • 1 tbs. coconut flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Soak the cherries in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the cherries from the soaking water, adding them to the food processor, reserving the water. Add 3 tbs. of the water from soaking to the cherries in the food processor.
  • Pulse until slightly broken up.
  • Add 1 cup of the walnuts and process 10 seconds or so.
  • Add the protein powder, chia seeds and coconut flour. Process well until combined. You might have to scrape down the sides once or twice.
  • Add the cinnamon, ground ginger and vanilla extract. Process again.
  • Add the remaining walnuts at the end and only process quickly to chop them, don't process until smooth.
  • Scoop out about a tablespoons and a half of the mixture and roll into a ball between your palms forming recovery bites. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
  • Prep time indicates soaking. Cook time represents time to make and form the balls

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
113
Fat
 
8
g
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
Fiber
 
1
g
Sugar
 
2
g
Protein
 
4
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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What about you?

  • How do you recover after a tough workout?
  • Do you make your own snacks or buy store bought?

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Cherry walnut recovery bites in a white bowl with walnuts and dried cherries in the background.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    June 11, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    Such a good idea! I’m always trying to get more cherries in for the anti-inflammatory benefits. And because YUM.

    Reply
  2. Courtney

    June 9, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    Yum! So wholesome and delicious! :)

    Reply
  3. Cindy's Recipes and Writings

    June 7, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    These bites sound like a great take along snack!

    Reply
  4. Lauren Bishop

    June 7, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I never would have thought of this flavour combination, but I love that they are simple to make and to eat. Any healthy food that can easily be transported is a good thing to me!

    Reply
  5. Kat

    June 7, 2016 at 8:34 am

    Would you believe that I’ve never had dried cherries before? They are just too expensive and I am worried that I wouldn’t put them to good use. By that I mean they would end up going directly into my mouth as a snack, instead of in something delicious and creative like these cherry walnut bites. Looks soooo good!

    Reply
  6. jill conyers

    June 7, 2016 at 5:52 am

    I love a recipe that is nothing unnecessary in here. Looks delicious Sam.

    Reply
  7. Kristy from Southern In Law

    June 6, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! This is totally my kinda snack!

    I love making my own snacks as it means I can create whatever my heart (well, stomach?) desires at the time and I know exactly what goes in it!

    Reply
  8. Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project

    June 6, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    These look amazing! I’ve been put on a very restrictive diet (gluten free, egg free and dairy free) for health reasons – including to reduce inflammation and these look like a perfect snack for me to take to work. Pinning to try very soon thank you!

    Reply
  9. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner

    June 6, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    Cherry and walnuts sound like a great combo! Good luck with your recipe contest

    Reply
  10. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment

    June 6, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    I really try to make my own snacks. I like being able to control the ingredients. Of course, there are times I have to grab an energy bar on the go. These look delicious. Walnuts are so good for you, and the anti inflammatory benefits make them a superfood.

    Reply
  11. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    June 6, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    O Cherry + walnut sounds delicious for a bite!

    Reply
  12. Dani @ Dani California Cooks

    June 6, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    Wow, these look delicious! I haven’t made balls/bites for a while. Love the addition of protein powder and coconut flour…yum

    Reply
  13. Rachel

    June 6, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Looks yummy. Thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  14. Mary Ellen @ VNutrition

    June 6, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    These look amazing! I had a walnut cherry tart a few month ago and love the flavors together but didn’t think of doing something like this with them. Great idea! Pinning these for later!

    Reply
  15. Sarah

    June 6, 2016 at 11:55 am

    What a great combo, I love cherries and walnuts (or pecans, or any nut really) together!

    Reply
  16. Annmarie

    June 6, 2016 at 10:07 am

    We’re twinning today with our recovery bites! Yours look delish! :)

    Reply
  17. rachel @ athletic avocado

    June 6, 2016 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    cherry and walnut sounds like an awesome combo! What a perfect little snack!

    Reply
  18. Julie @ Running in a Skirt

    June 6, 2016 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    So good! Cherries are da bomb! Hope you have a nice week!

    Reply
  19. Susie @ Suzlyfe

    June 6, 2016 at 7:10 am

    You had me at cherry. I go 50-50 with my workout recovery. Sometimes I do store bought, like when I am at work, but when I am home, I try to make something myself and eat real food.

    Reply

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