Chocolate, Cherry, and Coconut Snack Balls

Makes 20 bites 

Nutrition per bite – calories: 102, fat: 6g (saturated: 3g), carbohydrates: 11g, protein: 2 g, fiber: 2g, sugar: 5g, sodium: 30mg

Look for dried cherries that don’t have added sugar–often labeled sour cherries. If you can’t find them, you can substitute regular cherries and reduce the amount of honey to 3 tablespoons. 

Any nut butter can be substituted for tahini and sunflower butter if you prefer.   

• ⅔ cup shredded unsweetened coconut 

• 1¼ cups old-fashioned oats 

• ½ cup tahini or sunflower butter 

• ½ cup dried sour cherries, chopped 

• ½ cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped 

• ¼ cup honey 

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 

• ¼ teaspoon salt 

• 2 tablespoon water, and more if needed 

Toast coconut in a  medium skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside to cool. 

Once the coconut is cool. Combine all the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and let sit for about 30 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add some more water Mixture should stick together and not look too crumbly or dry.  

Using wet hands, roll the mixture into 20 balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Place balls on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.