Filled with apple cinnamon flavor these healthy apple pie energy balls are made with simple ingredients and so tasty. They’re the perfect portable snack.
Yep, another energy ball recipe! This is inspired by one of my fave Larabar flavors: apple pie, which is filled with cinnamon and apple goodness. Naturally, I wanted to create my own version of the bar, but in ball form. I must say, the flavors are spot on!
I know apples are technically a “fall flavor” but I love apple flavored things year round. So yes, this is perfect for back-to-school but I will absolutely be making these in the upcoming seasons too.
Types of Energy Balls
As you may have guessed, there are so many different types of energy balls and they go by a variety of names too. Some names I’ve heard: energy bites, energy balls, bliss bites, oat balls and fat bombs. In my mind, there is one thing they all have in common: they’re no bake and rolled into balls. Here are some ways they can be different:
Protein – Some energy balls will have added protein powder to obviously amp up the protein, but also round out the snack and make it more filling and satisfying. I personally love making these protein balls.
Date-based – Some energy balls are made with a base of dates and nuts (like these!). They are usually grain-free and have no sugar added because the dates add a good amount of sweetness and help hold the balls together. For the date-based balls, you usually need a food processor or blender to pulse the nuts and dates together.
Oat-based – Many energy ball recipes have a base of oats. They are packed with fiber and healthy fats and the perfect on-the-go snack. My peanut butter no bake energy balls are oat-based and so yummy.
Apple Pie Energy Ball Ingredients:
almonds – raw or roasted, but look for almonds without salt added.
pecans – raw or roasted, but look for pecans without salt added.
medjool dates – You can buy medjool dates that are already pitted or pit them yourself (it’s super easy). Two brands that I like are Natural Delights and Joolies. You can find Natural Delights in the produce section of most grocery stores (near the bananas) and Joolies are offered on Amazon and Thrive Market.
dried apple slices
raisins
cinnamon
sea salt
How to Make No Bake Energy Balls
Start by adding the almonds and pecans into your food processor and pulse until they are chopped into small pieces. Place the nut mixture in a bowl and set aside.
Add the dates to the processor and pulse until a paste forms. The dates will probably form into a sticky ball.
Add the nuts back into the processor with the dates and add the dried apples, raisins, cinnamon and sea salt. Pulse until everything is well combined.
Scoop the dough from the processor and form into small balls with your hands. Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator and freezer until you’re ready to snack!
What if the Balls Don’t Hold Together?
The main reason your balls don’t easily come together and stay in a ball shape is because the dates you used were too dry. Don’t panic! It’s easily fixed by adding a little bit of water to the mix. Start with just 1-2 teaspoons and add until the dough holds together.
If you notice the dates are dry before making the balls, you can soak them in water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate. Drain the water and use the dates as normal in the recipe.
How to Store Energy Balls
You can store your energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. They’ll last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. I like using glass storage containers or Stasher bags for storing energy balls.
Process nuts: Place almonds and pecans into food processor and pulse until they are chopped into small pieces. Place nut mixture in a bowl and set aside.
Process dates: Put dates into the food processor and pulse until a paste forms (the dates will probably form into a sticky ball).
Add nuts back into the processor with the dates.
Add in dried apples, raisins, cinnamon and sea salt. Pulse until everything is well combined.
Form balls: Scoop dough from food processor with your hands or a cookie scoop and form into small balls using your hands.
To store: Place balls into a sealed storage container and store in the fridge for 1 weeks or the freezer for 3 months.
Video
Notes
Hard/dry dates: If your dates are hard and dry, you can soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften. Just drain them well before using.
Crumbly dough: If your dough seems too crumbly to stick together after processing even when squeezing it together with your hands, you can try adding a couple more dates or adding 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture starts to hold together well enough to form into balls.
Yay! So glad you’re loving these apple energy balls, Brennan. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
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Really yummy and easy! Love the apple pie flavor. I used pumpkin pie spice instead of plain cinnamon. Super tasty!
Woo!! So happy to hear you loved these apple pie energy balls, Jessica! Thanks for the review and star rating. It means so much to me!
We can’t stop eating these bites. Simple to make and even easier to grab from the fridge when you need a sweet snack!
Yay!! So pumped these apple pie energy balls were a hit, Susannah! Thanks for making them and coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Just like a slice of apple pie, but without the guilt! Will be making these again! Love them!
Yay! So glad you’re loving these apple energy balls, Brennan. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
I don’t have a food processor, will a blender work?
I think the recipe works best in a food processor but you can certainly try it in your blender. Let me know how they turn out!
I can’t wait to try these! I can see them being my new fave snack!