These Apple Pie Energy Bites are delicious little snacks. They are sweet but made without added sugar. Packed with apples, walnuts, wholesome oats, and seasonal spices, they are fantastic. Also, energizing, and easy to make. And they taste like little apple pies.
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I've always been a huge fan of apple pies. And while I love indulging in a slice of apple pie, please don't ask me to bake one. I'm just no good at baking pies.
Over time I discovered I can still enjoy delicious apple pie flavors without needing to actually bake one. That's how these little Apple Pie Energy Bits are created.
Deliciously sweet, but not too sweet with lots of cinnamon and with a soft chewy texture, these no-bake apple pie bites are simply gorgeous. Also, easy to make and done in less than 15 minutes. Perfect snack or a quick sweet treat when you have a craving.
Why you need to try them?
- They are sweet, nutty, and perfectly flavored. Soft and chewy.
- Wholesome and seriously delicious.
- They are no-bake, made with simple pantry ingredients in 15 minutes.
- They are nutritious - full of fibers for gut-health and weight loss. Packed with proteins and healthy Omega-3s.
- They are made without added sugars. Low in calories, kids-friendly and very satisfying.
- Perfect everyday snack for the whole family.
Ingredients used
To make these no-bake apple pie energy balls, you will need only 6 ingredients that are very common in everyone's pantry.
- Dried apples (apple chips or dried apple rings).
- Walnuts. They are a good source of Omega-3 and an excellent source of antioxidants that fights inflammation. (1) Walnuts are very nutritious and great for gut health too.
- Almonds. They are nutritious, delicious and so healthy. Loaded with proteins and healthy Omega 3's, they do wonders for our heart health.
- Rolled oats. Oats are rich in fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that keeps our heart healthy. They also support healthy digestion, which is essential for strong immunity.
- Dates. They have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture. Dates bind ingredients together but also give a natural sweetness.
- Flax seeds. Flax seeds are packed with Omega-3s wich improves mood, boosts immunity, and fights inflammation. Also, flax seeds are packed with fibers.
To add some extra flavor and make these apple bites even more delicious, I also added:
- Ceylon cinnamon. Also known as “true” cinnamon. Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. (2, 3) Cinnamon gave these balls an amazing flavor.
- A pinch of allspice, for extra flavor kick.
How to make Apple Pie Energy Bites
To make apple pie energy bites, you will need basic equipment. The recipe is pretty straightforward, and it will take you 15 minutes tops!
Equipment used
- Measuring cups.
- Small bowl.
- Food processor or chopper.
Step bt step instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. Use measuring cups.
- Put the dates in a small bowl and soak in hot water for a few minutes until they soften.
- Step 2: Blend the ingredients.
- Take a high-speed food processor and put all ingredients. Note: add soaked dates first for easier mixing.
- Mix everything at high speed for a few minutes until the dough is formed.
- Don't worry if the dough seems dry in the beginning. Just continue mixing. Dates will release juices and make it sticky. Scrap down the dough with a spatula or spoon if needed.
- Step 3: Check the dough.
- After a few minutes, stop the mixing and check the texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. It should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of reserved date water - just a teaspoon. Mix again and check the texture.
- At this point, it's a good idea to taste the dough. These energy balls are mildly sweet, so if you feel like you need a bit more sweetness, feel free to add some sweetener. See the "Recipe tips" section for recommendations. Make sure you mix the dough again after adding the sweetener.
- Step 4: Form the balls.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll it between your palms to form a little ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- For an extra treat, give them a dusting of cinnamon and coconut sugar (optional).
- Place balls on a plate, serving tray, or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
It makes 16 small balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.
Substitutions
- You can use rolled oats or quick oats. Don't substitute with oat flour.
- You can substitute flax seeds with chia seeds or hemp seeds.
- You use Medjool dates or regular dates (Deglet Noor). Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates for this recipe.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans.
- You can substitute allspice with ground nutmeg.
Tips for storing
- Keep energy balls covered in air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- TO FREEZE: Place the balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5 minutes on the room temperature before using.
Recipe tips
- Use a high-speed food processor or chopper to ensure everything mix well.
- Make sure you grind flax seeds before using them. Using ground flax seeds is the best way to make the most of their health benefits.
- If you notice that the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a bit of reserved date water, just a teaspoon. NOTE: Add water little by little and check the dough.
- If you accidentally add too much water and dough turns out to be too mushy, just add more oats.
- Sweetener recommendation:
- You can add a bit of honey or maple syrup.
- Date syrup or molasses are great options too. Note that they can make dough darker.
- Unfortunately, stevia and other low-carb sweeteners wont work well in this recipe.
- If you're adding sweetener, then there's no need to use date water. Sweetener will bind the dough and make the mixture sticky.
Recipe
Apple Pie Energy Bites
These Apple Pie Energy Bites are delicious little snacks. They are sweet but made without added sugar. Packed with apples, walnuts, wholesome oats, and seasonal spices, they are fantastic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple chips (dried apples)
- 12 Medjool dates
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients using measuring cups.
- Put the dates in a small bowl and soak in hot water for a few minutes until they soften.
- Take a high-speed food processor and put all ingredients. Note: add soaked dates first for easier mixing.
- Mix everything at high speed for a few minutes until the dough is formed.
- Stop the mixing and check the texture by pinching the dough between your fingers. It should be sticky and able to keep its shape.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a bit of reserved date water - just a teaspoon.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the dough and roll it between your palms to form a little ball. Repeat with remaining dough.
- For an extra treat, give them a dusting of cinnamon and coconut sugar (optional).
- Place balls on a plate, serving tray, or in an airtight container and refrigerate to harden.
Notes
Makes 16 balls. The recommended serving size is 2 balls.
Substitutions
- You can use rolled oats or quick oats. Don't substitute with oat flour.
- You can substitute flax seeds with chia seeds or hemp seeds.
- You use Medjool dates or regular dates (Deglet Noor). Regular dates are smaller than Medjool dates, so you might need to use more, 12-14 dates for this recipe.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans.
- You can substitute allspice with ground nutmeg.
- Keep energy balls covered in an air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- TO FREEZE: Place the balls in a zip-lock bag. Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw for 5 minutes at room temperature before using.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ball | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 205mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Don’t forget to rate it and leave the comment. I would love to hear what you think.
DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible.
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This post is originally published in October 2016. It's updated with new information and republished in October 2021. The recipe changed slightly as I tested it through the years.
Kayla DiMaggio says
These energy bites are delicious! I am loving how packed with flavor they are!