High-Protein Apple Bites

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 Bites were 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’ll Love This Recipe

• 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

Main 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

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice

Why These Ingredients:

Dried apples – The star ingredient that gives these bites their authentic apple pie flavor.

Walnuts – A good source of Omega-3 and an excellent source of antioxidants that fight inflammation. Very nutritious and great for gut health too.

Almonds – Loaded with proteins and healthy Omega-3s, they do wonders for our heart health.

Rolled oats – 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 – Have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and a soft, chewy texture. Dates bind ingredients together but also give natural sweetness.

Flax seeds – Packed with Omega-3s which improve mood, boost immunity, and fight inflammation. Also packed with fibers.

Ceylon cinnamon – Also known as “true” cinnamon. Packed with powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Gives these balls an amazing flavor.

Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups
• Small bowl
• Food processor or high-speed chopper

Step-by-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 add 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. Scrape 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.

Yield: 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 can 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.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Keep energy balls covered in an air-tight food container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Freezer: 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.

Recipe Tips

• Use a high-speed food processor or chopper to ensure everything mixes 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 Recommendations:

• 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 won’t 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.

Nutrition Information (Per Ball)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Potassium: 205mg

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, International

Servings: 16 balls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these energy bites ahead of time? Yes! These are perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have a food processor? A high-speed blender can work, but you may need to stop and scrape down the sides frequently. A food processor works best for this recipe.

Can I make these nut-free? You can substitute the almonds and walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why is my mixture too dry? If your dates weren’t soft enough or if you used smaller dates, the mixture may be dry. Add reserved date water one teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together.

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried? No, fresh apples contain too much moisture and won’t give you the right texture. Dried apples or apple chips are essential for this recipe.

This post was originally published in October 2016. It’s updated with new information and republished in October 2021. The recipe changed slightly as it was tested through the years.

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