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Home › Recipes › By Diet › Gluten-Free
89 Comments

Paleo and Vegan Cocoa Cherry Pistachio Energy Bites

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by Lindsay Cotter Posted: August 15, 2014

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeVegan
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Healthy Bites is where it all began. Yes, over 5 years ago I started making these little balls of goodness for my husband (aka the kiwi). I also made them for me since I couldn’t eat gluten, and at that time there were very few decent gluten free bars, etc. You can read more about that story here.

HB-fuel

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Below is one of my first “boxes” I ever made.

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But it was also at that time I stopped guest posting on the kiwi’s old blog and started my own. This one. I should have named it Sherpa Wife Chronicles, but hey, I love good alteration, so Cotter Crunch it was.

Today I’m going back to my roots, of where it all began. Sharing gluten free recipes and supporting my husband. That’s my TRUE passion, and I’m needing a refresher today! I’m hoping on a jet plane and going to “sherpa” the kiwi at his race this weekend. I’m beyond excited, just to be there and cheer!

IM NZ run course

And I’m beyond excited to share with you another BALL/BITE recipe and then let you LINK UP whatever BITE/BALL recipe you have been making. So let’s get this show on the road, shall we?

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Paleo and Vegan Cherry Cocoa Pistachio Energy Bites


  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x
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Description

Paleo cocoa cherry pistachios bites! Naturally sweetened, grain free, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! Paleo and vegan friendly


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup coconut flour, peanut flour, or flapjacked buttermilk pancake batter.
  • ½ cup cocoa powder or other chocolate protein powder
  • ¼ cup nut butter of choice
  • handful of dried cherries
  • ¼ cup crushed pitaschios
  • butter extract (½ tsp) –optional, can use cherry extract or vanilla too!
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • Optional add ins –> ground ginger or cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Combine ½ cup coconut or peanut flour, ½ cup cocoa powder or chocolate protein, ¼ cup nut butter like eatnuttzo, and a handful of dried cherries and crushed pistachios in a large bow. Mix well. Then add in your honey or maple syrup. Add in a dash of cinnamon or ginger for extra spice Mix again and then roll into bite sized balls. Makes about 15-18 balls. Feel free to roll into larger bites, or smaller to make more. Freeze or keep in refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 min

We have a new cookbook!

Allergy Friendly Recipes for Everyone Around The Table! Pre-order here

Now it’s your turn! If you have a recipe similar to a healthy bite, or have a made one of my  recipes in the past on your blog, LINK UP!

healthy bite recipe link up

What’s your favorite HEALTHY BITE flavor combo?

If you linked up or left a comment, then you will automatically be entered into my 2nd Healthy Bite Edition Ebook giveaway. Just a way to say THANK YOU!

Now go live your passion!

Cheers,

p.s.

I use Flapjacked Protein Pancake batter a lot when making healthy bites. Great source of WHEY protein. They just so happen to be running a back to school special this weekend, so go check it out!

 

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Categories: Breakfasts, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Snacks and Appetizers, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: ebook, giveaway

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Madelyn

    08/19/2014 at 12:33 PM

    These sounds AMAZINGGG. I love your healthy bites!!

    Reply
  2. shashi @ runninsrilankan

    08/18/2014 at 1:53 PM

    Yum – droolng over these bites – such a great roundup and thanks for the chance to link up too! You Rock!

    Reply
  3. jennifer

    08/18/2014 at 7:51 AM

    What a delicious looking roundup!! Thanks for organizing this and I am excited to try so many!

    Reply
  4. Brittany

    08/17/2014 at 10:08 PM

    So many balls, so little time!! I adore your healthy bites!! I won a giveaway for some a little while back and just about did a back flip in my kitchen when I got them. I could NOT stop eating them. Keep doing what you’re doing because these treats are such a hit!! Love your blogging and healthy bite journey!!

    Reply
  5. Alison Gittelman

    08/17/2014 at 7:36 PM

    I was just thinking about some healthy snacks to take with me to Edmonton next week – these look perfect! Hope the Kiwi’s race went well!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/17/2014 at 9:07 PM

      oh you’d looooove! are you racing tremblont?

      Reply
      • Alison @ racingtales

        08/17/2014 at 9:13 PM

        No, WTS Grand Final – the age group sprint! Yup, going all the way to Alberta for a sprint…

        Reply
  6. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama

    08/17/2014 at 7:27 PM

    Mmmmmm….cherry and pistachios. Such a good combo!

    Reply
  7. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero

    08/17/2014 at 6:55 PM

    Totally depends on the season – during spring I love the lemony ones, fall is all about pumpkin & snickerdoodle, and Christmas is gingerbread time.

    Reply
  8. Sarah Pie

    08/17/2014 at 3:04 PM

    There are so many balls on your page right now, I love it! This couldn’t have come at a better time, I’m gathering up tons of grab and go eats that I can take to school with me 🙂

    Hope the race went well this wekend!

    Reply
  9. Tess

    08/17/2014 at 12:50 PM

    WOW!!! These ALL look so delicious! I love that you are so generous in your recipes and thoughts on allergies. Also love your exercise notes and tutorials. THANKS!!!

    Reply
  10. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats

    08/17/2014 at 11:17 AM

    I so need to stock the fridge with balls this week! Delish!

    Reply
  11. jill conyers

    08/17/2014 at 8:40 AM

    I don’t create my own bites because I have your ebook 🙂 I need to take pics when I make them. Maybe I will try a recipe of my own with inspiration from one of yours.

    Reply
  12. Mackenzie

    08/16/2014 at 7:09 PM

    I am getting very exited for fall so I’m going to go with the pumpkin bites! Definitely pinned this recipe though!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/16/2014 at 9:29 PM

      oh totally! fall is so close!

      Reply
  13. kaci cheeseman

    08/16/2014 at 9:32 AM

    The PB Coconut Trail Mix Bites are hands down the winner for me. The flavor combo was phenomenal! I’m thinking it is time for another batch actually…

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/16/2014 at 5:44 PM

      those are mine too!

      Reply
  14. She Rocks Fitness

    08/16/2014 at 7:19 AM

    You know I LOVE all Healthy Bite flavors, but I am a sucker for chocolate and cherry…coconut…birthday bites…darn it this list is going to get long. I need to place an order darling when you have the time! Do you have leftovers?

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/16/2014 at 5:49 PM

      yes but still officially email me! i need to file it.

      Reply
  15. Kierston

    08/16/2014 at 6:44 AM

    You make the best healthy bites! Love the pistachio in these ones 🙂

    Reply
  16. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out

    08/16/2014 at 5:40 AM

    Chocolate + pistachios… so good!!

    Reply
  17. Marcia

    08/15/2014 at 9:32 PM

    These and all of the linkups look so darn great! I love that you used GF pancake mix. I’ve got some right here!

    Reply
  18. Debbie (accidently delish)

    08/15/2014 at 9:19 PM

    girl… your balls…lemme tell you. (haha that sounds so dirty)
    i honestly don’t remember all you put in my custom pack, but i will tell you i loved them ALL. i seriously need/want more. you got me hooked!!

    love you and your balls 😉

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 11:23 PM

      hehe i love you!

      Reply
  19. Lanna meeks

    08/15/2014 at 9:01 PM

    hmmm sounds yum. Love choc/cherry combo. PB/choc would be fab as well.

    Reply
  20. [email protected]

    08/15/2014 at 8:39 PM

    So many balls all in one place. I’m definitely in the right place. I love the cherry chocolate pistachio combo. Sweet and nutty all rolled into one!!

    Reply
  21. GiGi Eats

    08/15/2014 at 4:55 PM

    You know I rock with my balls out…. Actually, I ate 11 of my CAKE BALLS for lunch today – AH HA HA HA HA HA! UHHHH MAZZZING!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/16/2014 at 8:45 AM

      impressive!

      Reply
  22. jobo

    08/15/2014 at 4:14 PM

    yum!! I may be going to make these rightnow, they look so good and I have all the ingredients! win!! I love when you talk about your roots and the start of healthy bites!! you are such a natural at this, it falls in line with your sherpa-ness in every way 🙂 XO

    Reply
  23. Lisa @ RunWiki

    08/15/2014 at 3:50 PM

    I want that BOX! I have had the pleasure of eating Healthy Bites– they are crisp and yet melt away in your mouth– I do love food more than the average bear, but they’re not just fuel, they’re an experience.

    Reply
  24. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries

    08/15/2014 at 3:46 PM

    Love me some Healthy Bites!!

    Reply
  25. Jody - Fit at 56

    08/15/2014 at 2:55 PM

    So excited that you get to go with Kiwi!!!!!! Those ballin bites sound amazing!!!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Katie

    08/15/2014 at 1:28 PM

    you bring so much so smiles to Drake & I. Okay I’ll stop being corny…but just saying 😉 We love your bites. every single one. But so far my fav…Spring Sprinkle OR Irish coffee! xo

    Reply
  27. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    08/15/2014 at 12:58 PM

    I need to start making my own balls… but yours are just so good!

    Reply
  28. Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat

    08/15/2014 at 12:22 PM

    These sound so delicious! If only I had some cherries and pistachios on-hand.. next grocery trip!

    Reply
  29. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    08/15/2014 at 12:13 PM

    Pistachios and Cherries are like a match made in heaven 😉

    Reply
  30. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    08/15/2014 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks for the linkup! I get so caught up in my muffins I forgot about balls. Lol…

    Reply
  31. Christa @ Edible Balance

    08/15/2014 at 11:26 AM

    Dang girl, this combo looks GOOD!! I need to catch up on all these balls recipes… hubs is racing next weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf

    08/15/2014 at 11:23 AM

    You know that I love my Healthy Bites especially because they are made with such love and care!!! Good luck to the Kiwi this weekend and have fun sherpa-ing. xoxo

    Reply
  33. Amanda @ .running with spoons.

    08/15/2014 at 10:55 AM

    Holy… balls 😯 So much goodness! You are the balls queen for sure 😀 Now to go find some to link up <3

    Reply
  34. purelytwins

    08/15/2014 at 10:42 AM

    love balls!! we loved your lemon ones you made us before…well hell we love all your combos!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 10:45 AM

      trade you balls for biscotti anytime!

      Reply
  35. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat

    08/15/2014 at 10:37 AM

    I love the chocolate and cherry combo; hence, the recipe I linked up! It’s a classic! I also love the addition of pistachios to add that nice bit of crunch.

    Reply
  36. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape

    08/15/2014 at 10:20 AM

    Love this! Totally going to make these for me and my husband as WOD fuel and general snackage!
    Good luck for the weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  37. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut

    08/15/2014 at 10:07 AM

    Yay your balls link-up!!!! I need to post more of mine because I only found one!!

    Hope you’re staying sane, lady! Don’t work too hard! <3 <3

    Reply
  38. Ali

    08/15/2014 at 9:57 AM

    Oh my gosh these look so tasty. I have recently fallen in love with dried cherries so this would be a great way to eat them without going crazy. I also love the idea of cherries and pistachios together. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 10:30 AM

      yes, this is definitely quantity control.. well kinda. haha

      Reply
  39. Samantha @ The Faithful Runner

    08/15/2014 at 9:46 AM

    Loving the recipes and great idea with the linkup. Great recipes!!!

    Reply
  40. Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's

    08/15/2014 at 8:50 AM

    I dream about your lemon bites!

    Reply
  41. Erin @ The Almond Eater

    08/15/2014 at 8:47 AM

    You are the queen of balls! 😉 Have fun supporting kiwi today/this weekend and good luck to him!

    Reply
  42. abby

    08/15/2014 at 8:40 AM

    I love your creativity in the kitchen! My favourite Healthy Bite recipe you shared was a Halloween one with vegan marshmallows. I made them for a girlfriend who had a baby, and they ate them all in the first night!
    Good luck to the Kiwi, and have a great time cheering 🙂

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 10:28 AM

      thank you! wish you were racing too!

      Reply
  43. Molly M

    08/15/2014 at 8:35 AM

    I LOVED the coconut vanilla latte!!

    Reply
  44. Joanna @Makingmine

    08/15/2014 at 8:33 AM

    I never would have thought to pair these ingredients, but they sound great!

    Reply
  45. Nicole @ Fitful Focus

    08/15/2014 at 8:16 AM

    These look and sound delicious, as always! 🙂 Thanks for the fun linkup!

    Reply
    • Sarah

      08/15/2014 at 10:38 AM

      I see your balls in the link! I may have to also add the version I made of your balls!

      Reply
      • LCCotter

        08/15/2014 at 10:42 AM

        go for it!! any and all version welcome! haha ball crazy ladies.

        Reply
        • Nicole @ Fitful Focus

          08/15/2014 at 10:16 PM

          We do love our balls.

          Reply
  46. kristin

    08/15/2014 at 8:00 AM

    yum! i am lovinggg cherries right now.

    Reply
  47. Davida @ The Healthy Maven

    08/15/2014 at 7:59 AM

    Best. round-up. ever.

    Reply
  48. Sarah

    08/15/2014 at 7:57 AM

    I was waiting for these, they looked so good when you posted them last week! Can’t wait to get back home to my kitchen to make them.

    A favorite combo… that is hard because I make them based on my moods! I have to say either the espresso ones or the sprinkle ones but I also love peanut butter ones.

    Can I link up just one recipe? Or is there a limit?

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 10:27 AM

      you can link up as many as you’d like friend!

      Reply
      • Sarah

        08/15/2014 at 10:37 AM

        Sounds good, I will try not to go too crazy but really can you have too many balls?
        I love this link-up, thank you! I am really excited to see everyones balls! 😉

        Reply
  49. Heather (Where's the Beach)

    08/15/2014 at 7:45 AM

    So much yumminess! Hope you guys have a successful (and enjoyable) weekend my friend!

    Reply
  50. Ang @ Nutty for Life

    08/15/2014 at 7:37 AM

    Cherries and pistachios are suchhhh a match made in heaven! I have been all about the healthy bites lately. My fave mix as of late is made with bananas and peanut butter. I add whole peanuts for some crunch too!

    Reply
  51. Maureen

    08/15/2014 at 7:28 AM

    Tasty bites!!! Enjoy being a proud wife this weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

    08/15/2014 at 7:08 AM

    Oh yay- I have all the ingredients for this recipe… must make it!!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 7:38 AM

      let me know how they turn out!

      Reply
  53. Leah H.

    08/15/2014 at 7:04 AM

    The cocoa cashew pretzel was my first bites recipe and it continues to be my fave!

    Reply
  54. Linz @ Itz Linz

    08/15/2014 at 6:53 AM

    ooooh cherry cocoa sounds AMAZING and the pistachio addition seems interesting!

    Reply
  55. Tara Newman

    08/15/2014 at 6:37 AM

    Oh, I am so excited for that cookbook to come out. And I was just about to place a flapjacked order! I am hoping they are the answer to getting protein into my carboholic children.

    Reply
  56. Tina Muir

    08/15/2014 at 6:18 AM

    How exciting! 5 years! Thats amazing Lindsay, and a linkup tooooo! I wish I had some to add, but I have never made bites….kinda always felt like I would be copying you 🙂 Maybe I should give them a go now though if you are giving the go ahead 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend friend!

    Reply
  57. Maryea {happy healthy mama}

    08/15/2014 at 6:18 AM

    What a great combo! I just love chocolate and cherries. Thanks for the link up option. 🙂

    Reply
  58. Coco

    08/15/2014 at 6:16 AM

    I love the bites as a pre-workout snack! Have an great weekend!

    Reply
  59. Kaila @healthyhelperblog!

    08/15/2014 at 6:12 AM

    OH MY! These might be my favorite healthy bites of your yet! LOVE the combo of coconut, cherries, and pistachios! Pistachios are one of my favorite nuts! Linked up two ‘bite’ recipes of my own!! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Cassie

    08/15/2014 at 5:54 AM

    I’ve been loving cherry so I need to try these! Also, where do you find your butter extract? I see it in a lot of your healthy bite recipes but I’ve never been able to find it! xo thanks for the link-up 🙂 Good luck to the Kiwi this weekend!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 6:25 AM

      i actually find it at my local grocer. I can send you some!

      Reply
  61. Cara's Healthy Cravings

    08/15/2014 at 5:45 AM

    Yay to your passions, creativity and Healthy Bite awesomeness! Have a lovely weekend cheering on your partner in crime 🙂

    Reply
  62. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles

    08/15/2014 at 5:32 AM

    Too funny that I just posted this bite recipe today! Thanks for the link up option!

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 5:53 AM

      yay! i saw, they look awesome!

      Reply
  63. Arman @ thebigmansworld

    08/15/2014 at 5:12 AM

    healthy bites needs to come to australia.

    I’ll just cry into cookie dough balls. meh meh meh.

    Reply
    • LCCotter

      08/15/2014 at 5:20 AM

      link up one of your balls buddy! 😉 maybe that will bring good luck and then Healthy bites to Australia. Ha!

      Reply
  64. Michele @ paleorunningmomma

    08/15/2014 at 5:07 AM

    Yummy! Cherry and chocolate flavors are so fabulous together! Hope to try this soon 🙂

    Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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