Pin This hearty Cherry-Coded Dark Chocolate Cranberry Energy Square recipe has been my favorite guilt-free indulgence for years. The perfect balance of tart cherries, sweet cranberries, and rich dark chocolate creates a nutritious energy boost that satisfies sweet cravings without the sugar crash.
I originally created these squares during a particularly busy work week when I needed wholesome snacks to fuel long days. Now they've become my go-to treat for hiking trips, afternoon pick-me-ups, and even dessert when drizzled with extra chocolate.
Ingredients
- Dried cherries: add natural sweetness and antioxidants look for unsweetened varieties for best flavor
- Dried cranberries: provide tartness and chewy texture choose juice-sweetened versions if possible
- Medjool dates: work as a natural binder and caramel-like sweetener select plump, soft dates for best results
- Raw almonds: create structure and protein choose unsalted for better flavor control
- Raw walnuts: add omega-3 fatty acids and a buttery taste freshness matters for optimal nutrition
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: contributes texture and tropical notes toast lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor
- Chia seeds: boost fiber and omega-3 content black or white varieties work equally well
- Honey or maple syrup: helps bind ingredients together while adding sweetness raw honey offers additional benefits
- Almond butter: creates creaminess and helps everything stick together choose natural varieties without added oils or sugar
- Vanilla extract: enhances all flavors pure extract provides the best taste
- Sea salt: balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor flaky sea salt works wonderfully
- Dark chocolate chips: deliver antioxidants and rich flavor higher cocoa percentage means less sugar and more benefits
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. This creates handles that make removing the finished squares incredibly easy. Ensure the paper is pressed firmly into corners for clean edges.
- Process Dry Ingredients:
- Place almonds and walnuts in your food processor and pulse about 8 times until coarsely chopped but not powdered. You want visible pieces for texture. Add dates, cherries, cranberries, coconut, and chia seeds, then pulse another 10 to 15 times until the mixture becomes sticky but still maintains some texture. The dried fruit will begin to break down and help everything stick together.
- Create Your Binding Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and just warm enough to easily pour. Do not overheat as this can destroy beneficial enzymes in raw honey if using.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Pour the warm almond butter mixture into the food processor with your fruit and nut mixture. Pulse 8 to 10 times until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should stick together when pressed between your fingers but still maintain visible texture from the nuts and fruits.
- Add Chocolate:
- Add chocolate chips to the processor and pulse just 3 to 4 times. This brief mixing keeps some chips whole while breaking others down, creating pockets of chocolate throughout the squares. For an extra indulgent version, reserve 2 tablespoons of chips to melt for drizzling later.
- Press and Set:
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press down firmly using the back of a measuring cup or your hands. Apply even pressure to create a compact layer with a smooth surface. This compression ensures the squares will hold together when cut.
- Chill and Cut:
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour until completely firm. Once set, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire block out of the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into 16 equal squares. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife between slices.
Pin The dried cherries are truly the secret star of this recipe. Their tart-sweet flavor creates a perfect counterpoint to the rich chocolate and nutty base. I discovered their magic when experimenting with different dried fruits, and now I keep them stocked in my pantry year-round. My daughter calls these squares "cherry chocolate pie bites" and requests them for her lunchbox every week.
Storage Solutions
These energy squares maintain their best quality when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cool temperature helps the squares stay firm and prevents the chocolate from melting. For longer storage, these squares freeze beautifully for up to three months. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw a square in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on dietary needs and what you have available. For a nut-free version, replace the almonds and walnuts with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, and substitute sunflower seed butter for the almond butter. Those following a vegan diet can use maple syrup instead of honey. If dried cherries are unavailable or too expensive, try using all cranberries or a mix of raisins and dried blueberries. The chocolate can be swapped for carob chips for a caffeine-free option, or white chocolate for a sweeter profile.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile squares work wonderfully in multiple settings. For breakfast, pair with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced meal. As a pre-workout snack, enjoy one square about 30 minutes before exercise for sustained energy. For an elegant dessert option, warm slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. They also make excellent hiking or travel companions since they hold up well without refrigeration for a day.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Refresh Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for brightness
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall Harvest Include 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and substitute pepitas for some of the nuts
Seasonal Adaptations
Winter Warmth Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a Mexican chocolate twist
Success Stories
Many friends have converted to making these squares after trying them at gatherings. One particularly memorable success came from my neighbor who used them to help transition her family away from processed snacks. Her children now request these squares instead of store-bought granola bars, and she reports they stay satisfied longer through afternoon activities. Another friend adapted the recipe for her marathon training regimen, adding protein powder and cutting them into smaller bites for quick energy during long runs.
Pin These energy squares are a truly versatile and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Experiment with the substitutions and seasonal variations to make them your own.