Apple Pie Energy Bites

Apple pie energy bites are an easy no-bake snack for the fall season! They are vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Combine pantry staples - like almonds, walnuts, raisins, and medjool dates - to create this healthy fall snack. The recipe is great for kids, meal prep, and made in 10 minutes or less. It tastes like apple pie in bite-sized form!

Healthy apple pie bites

The fall season would not be complete without apple pie! It's a classic dessert that nearly everyone loves. However, when you aren't in the mood to dirty up your whole kitchen, this bite-sized treat will do just the trick. The no-fuss recipe allows you to skip the hassle of baking an entire pie while still enjoying the delicious flavors it provides.

Where did this idea come from? I recently picked up an apple pie larabar from my local grocery store. Truly, it was a love-at-first-bite moment. After peeling back the label, I was surprised by the minimal ingredients list: dates, almonds, walnuts, apples, raisins, and cinnamon. That's it. I instantly thought, "Hey! I can totally recreate this." So I did. And now you can, too! It's easy as pie. No pun intended. 😉

These apple pie energy bites are loaded with all of the yummy flavors you'd find in a good ol' slice of apple pie. They are sweet, tart, and subtly spiced with a hint of cinnamon. Yet, the unique twist comes in with the soft and chewy texture. Since the recipe is made with wholesome ingredients, this is a healthy way to satisfy dessert cravings all season long!

Apple pie energy bites are:

• Vegan, no-bake, gluten-free, oil-free, and soy-free
• Sweetened with fruit & made with no refined sugar
• Sweet and soft, yet tart and chewy
• Made with 8 ingredients
• A low calorie alternative to apple pie
• Freezer-friendly
• A portable and convenient on-the-go snack
• Great for kids & meal prep

Are apples good for you?

Yes, absolutely! We all know the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." That notion was created for good reasons. There are several impressive health benefits of this red fruit. For starters, apples are loaded with nutrients. They are particularly high in vitamin C and contain potassium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and various B vitamins.

Like other fruits, apples are a great source of fiber. In fact, the high fiber and water content makes them a filling snack which may aid weight loss. Additionally, flavonoid-rich foods (like apples and berries) may even help prevent cognitive decline. Pretty neat, right?

What are apple pie energy bites made of?

• Almonds: Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which makes them an antioxidant powerhouse. Since almonds have a pretty mild flavor, they are a great addition to all sorts of energy ball recipes.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are commonly used in fall recipes as they complement seasonal flavors, like apples, maple, and pumpkin. Therefore, walnuts pair perfectly with these apple pie energy bites! This nut is significantly higher in healthy omega-3 fats than others and it is linked to brain health.
• Medjool dates: These energy bites are naturally sweetened with dates instead of sugar. They provide a soft texture and caramel-like flavor. Don't forget to remove the pits before blending.
• Soft-dried apples: Also known as dehydrated apples, dried apples have most of the water content removed from them. Be sure to use a soft-dried variety to ensure the mixture is soft and sticky.
• Raisins: Raisins are a delicious complement to the dried apples. They contribute to the sweet, chewy texture without adding refined sugar.
• Cinnamon: This warming spice provides anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds sweet flavor. It's an optional ingredient, but I recommend using it.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweet flavors.

How to make apple pie energy balls

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, combine all ingredients in a food processor. This will include raw almonds, raw walnuts, medjool dates, soft-dried apples, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.

Next, blend the ingredients until a sticky, crumbled mixture forms. You should be able to pinch the mixture together with your hands. If it is not sticky enough, add 1-2 extra medjool dates and blend again.

After, scoop and roll the mixture into 18 bite-sized balls (or as many as you'd like). I like using a mini cookie scoop or a round tablespoon to make them uniform. Enjoy!

Tips for perfecting this fall snack

Use soft-dried apples. It's extremely important to use soft-dried apples for these apple pie energy bites. This will ensure the mixture is soft, sticky, and chewy. If your apples are on the tougher side, you may have a difficult time blending the ingredients.

Use raw nuts. I highly recommend raw almonds and raw walnuts for the best flavor. Since the recipe contains salt, make sure your nuts are unsalted.

Make sure the mixture is sticky. After blending the ingredients together in a food processor, it's important to make sure the mixture is sticky. Rolling it into bite-sized balls should be a relatively effortless process! If your medjool dates and dried apples are too tough, you may need to add 1-2 extra medjool dates in order to achieve that sticky texture. Alternatively, you can add 1 tablespoon water to bring more moisture into the food processor.

Watch out for added sugar. Medjool dates, raisins, and dried apples act as natural sweeteners, allowing this recipe to stay refined sugar-free. When purchasing the raisins and dried apples, I recommend checking the label to make sure they do not contain added sugar. This healthy snack is plenty sweet all on its own.

Decorate the energy bites. Although it's not necessary, decorating energy bites can be a fun activity - especially if you are making them with kids! Feel free to go ahead and toss 'em in shredded coconut, crushed walnuts, or hemp seeds for added nutrients.

How to store energy balls

Store leftover energy balls in a sealed container. Keep them at room temperature for 2-3 days or inside the refrigerator for 1 week. This healthy snack is also freezer-friendly, so you can keep it in the freezer for longterm storage. They will last for up to 3 months inside the freezer.

If you try these Apple Pie Energy Bites, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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