To a food processor fitted with the S-blade, add the dates. Pulse until the dates are broken down into small bits or until they begin to form a ball. Scoop out and set aside.
Next, add the almonds, oats, cocoa powder, and sea salt to the food processor. Pulse several times and then process for 15 seconds, or until the nuts and oats are ground into a fine meal.
Return the dates to the food processor along with the almond butter and 1 tablespoon of the water. Pulse several times and then process until the mixture comes together into a moist but crumbly "dough", stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the mixture feels too dry and isn't holding together, add the second tablespoon of water and pulse again.
Add the chocolate chips and dried cherries and pulse several times to incorporate.
Scoop out 1 ½-tablespoon mounds of the mixture and roll into balls. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, lightly dampen them with water. Transfer to an airtight container. You should have about 22 energy bites.
Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm and set.
Refrigerate the bites for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.