Homemade Apple pie energy bites are no-bake and raw energy balls flavored with shredded green apple & cinnamon. All you need is 15 minutes to make them.
They are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweet with dates, and packed with nutrients. Apple pie energy balls make a perfect dessert on holidays and a healthy snack every day.
The post contains helpful tips and tricks to make a successful recipe on your first attempt. Please use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end if you want to skip.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Delicious snack/dessert- Apple and cinnamon is a delicious combination and apple pie is one of the most seasonal recipes when apples are in abundance. These apple pie energy balls have the same flavors & aroma but they are made raw without sugar and baking. Gulp them as a mid-day snack or a dessert after every meal. They are low in calories, a combination of healthy fats & carbs, that will help you to energize all throughout the day.
- Easy to make- You need simple pantry staples to make this amazing dessert and 10-15 minutes to make a dough and bite-size balls. No special skills are required to make these simple apple energy bites.
- Freezer-friendly & make-ahead- The best feature which I love most is these are freezer-friendly and can be made in advance. In the freezer, I can store for 3-4 months and such a help while doing meal planning. isn't that fun?
- Healthy- Oats, dates, apples are all nutritious with lots of health benefits. Including them on daily basis make sure to get micronutrients and far better than a storebought snack.
What do we mean by healthy
Generally, energy bites or energy balls or bliss ball is a concept of a compact source of nutrients & energy. These bites provide quick energy and are low in calories, you can consume them as a snack or dessert.
Check here my salted caramel energy bites made with whey protein & raw carrot cake energy balls.
To make these cinnamon apple pie energy bites, we use raw fresh apples which are a good source of manganese, copper, and vitamins A, E, B1, B2, and B6.
Gluten-free oats a good source of carbs, fiber, and loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant plant compounds.
Other than that dates to sweeten, and nuts like walnut, cashew. All are good sources of micronutrients, healthy fats, and dietary fiber.
Being refined sugar-free, and power-packed ingredients these energy balls are very healthy to consume without guilt. These apple pie energy balls will help you to satisfy your sweet tooth and a wonderful snack for kids (read picky eaters).
So if you are in maintaining phase or doing weight loss, following a low-carb, keto, or macro-friendly diet, these apple cinnamon bliss balls will definitely fit in your lifestyle and keep you on track.
Ingredients & notes
Please check the recipe card for the full ingredient list and measurements
- Dates- It is a natural sweetener and also helps in binding. To make vegan apple pie balls we require soft & moist dates, for that Medjool dates are perfect. In case Medjool dates are unavailable, you can use other dates as well. If other dates are dry in texture, do soak them in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain the water and use it further. It is one of the most used ingredients when it comes to making sugar-free snacks or desserts.
- Oats- I am using rolled oats here. But these sweet apple-cinnamon energy balls are tried & tested with other varieties of oats as well. Oats are gluten-free, make sure to read the labels while buying them. They should be processed in a gluten-free facility without any trace of gluten.
- Apple- Added fresh shredded Granny Smith apple but any other variety of apples will work well. So go ahead and experiment. Dry apple slices also work well with the recipe. Using dry apples has its own benefits in that you do not have to store them in the fridge.
- Nuts- For nuts, I pick (unroasted and unsalted) walnut & cashew here, but any nuts like pistachio, almond, or pecan will go well.
- Salt- Plain salt or sea salt, whatever is available. Salt is used simply to balance the sweetness.
- Cinnamon- This is the apple pie main ingredient. It creates an aroma, amazing flavor, and a festive feeling. You can use nutmeg, apple pie spice blend, or allspice as well in place of cinnamon powder.
Variations
- Chia seeds- In energy bites, chia seed is a great addition. You can add 2 tbsp of chia seed to this recipe if required. It is rich in fiber and a great plant-based protein source.
- Nut-free- To make nut-free apple cinnamon bliss balls use seeds in place of nuts. Sunflower, pumpkin & hemp seeds are great to use.
- Protein- Add protein powder of your choice for extra benefit. Add 30 grams or 1 scoop of protein powder while grinding.
- No dates- If you prefer to make apple cinnamon oat balls without dates, then replace them with an equal amount of raisins. Or use honey, maple syrup, or agave in place of it.
- Almond flour- No oats, no problem. Use almond flour (meal/flour) in place of it and you are good to go.
Step by step instructions
Prepare dates
Wash, clean, and remove the seed from Medjool dates. If dates are dry then soak in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain the water and use it in the recipe.
Prepare apple
If using fresh apple, then grate it using box grater.
Process & make bites
Transfer all the ingredients to the food processor and grind it to a dough-like consistency. Do not over-process it else nuts will starts releasing oil and make the dough greasy. (pic 1-2)
Take 1-1.5 tbsp mixture and make small bite-size balls. I used my 1.5 tbsp ice cream scoop to form energy balls uniformly. (pic 3)
Now roll further in dry coconut or enjoy as is. It is optional but does try as it tastes great. (pic 4)
Serve & store
Serve these apple cinnamon bites immediately or store for later use.
Tips & FAQ's
- You can shape the mixture into bars as well instead of making balls. Flatten the mixture on a cookie sheet and press gently. Keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes and then cut into bar shape to make apple pie energy bars.
Having all the healthy ingredients these energy bites makes a great after-school snack or pack in their lunch box. Just make sure that you grind everything to a smooth consistency. Also, check for any allergy you may have with the ingredients and customize accordingly.
Serving & storing
Serve them as a snack or dessert. You can enjoy them anytime, cinnamon apple bites are kids friendly as well. They make a great lunch box dessert or after-school snack for them.
Such energy balls are great for camping, hiking and road trips as well.
Refrigeration is a must as we use fresh apples. Feel free to use a dry apple that can be stored at room temperature as well.
These apple pie bites are freezer-friendly as well. Transfer them in a freezer-friendly container or zip lock bags and store them for up to 3-4 months. Keep at the kitchen counter for few minutes to soften and enjoy.
If you like this light and healthy snack recipe then do check a few more from the blog.
If you try this recipe, please consider leaving a comment and a star rating. Don't forget to tag #fitmealideas20 on Instagram or @fitmealideas on Pinterest!
Recipe
Apple Pie Energy Bites
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 15 dates I use Medjool dates, remove the seed
- ½ cup walnuts approx 60 grams
- ½ cup cashew approx 75 grams
- ½ cup rolled oats I use gluten-free, approx 50 grams
- ¼ cup apple shredded fresh apple or ½ cup dry apple
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon nutmeg or all spice or apple pie spice blend
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut to roll dough balls, optional
Instructions
- At first, wash, clean, and remove the seed from Medjool dates.
- Grate the apple using box grater.
- Transfer all ingredients to a food processor and grind till dough like consistency. Do not over process it.
- Take 1-1.5 tbsp mixture and make small bite-size balls. Now roll further in dry coconut or enjoy as is. It is optional but do try as it taste great.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-grind the mixture. When over-processed, nuts start releasing oil and the mixture becomes too oily.
- Rolling in extra coconut is optional but recommended.
- Nut-free- To make nut-free apple cinnamon bliss balls use seeds in place of nuts. Sunflower, pumpkin & hemp seeds are great to use.
- Protein- Add any of your choice of protein for extra benefit. Add 30 grams or 1 scoop of protein powder while grinding.
- No dates- If you prefer to make apple cinnamon oat balls without dates, then replace them with an equal amount of raisins. Or use honey, maple syrup, or agave in place of it.
- Almond flour- No oats, no problem. Use almond flour (meal/flour) in place of it and you are good to go.
- Refrigeration is a must as we use fresh apples. Feel free to use a dry apple that can be stored at room temperature as well.
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