Apple Pie Protein Balls Recipe

Introduction

If you love the warm, comforting flavor of apple pie but want a quick, healthy snack, these Apple Pie Protein Balls are perfect. No baking required, they combine oats, protein, nuts, and dried apples for a satisfying bite full of nutrition and cozy spice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• ½ cup dried apples, finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (as needed for texture)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together the oats, protein powder, chopped dried apples, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Step 2: Add the almond butter, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of applesauce to the dry mixture. Stir well with a spatula until fully combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add another tablespoon of applesauce.
3. Step 3: Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
4. Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes if desired. They can be eaten immediately but chilling improves the texture.

Tips & Variations

• Chop dried apples very finely to avoid chewy chunks.
• If almond butter is runny, use it cold to help the balls hold their shape.
• Start with 1 tablespoon of applesauce and add more only if the mixture is too dry.
• Use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for almond butter.
• Swap dried apples for raisins or chopped dried pears for a different fruit twist.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and nutrition.
• Try chocolate protein powder for a fun flavor variation.

Storage

Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to two months; just thaw for 5–10 minutes before eating to soften. These make great grab-and-go snacks for lunchboxes or work.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried?

It’s best to stick with dried apples since fresh apples release too much moisture, which affects the texture.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use certified gluten-free oats.

Apple Pie Protein Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 134 reviews

These Apple Pie Protein Balls are a no-bake, nutritious snack combining the warm flavors of apple pie with the energy-boosting benefits of protein and healthy fats. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, post-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert, they are easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dried apples, walnuts, and cinnamon.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 protein balls 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• ½ cup dried apples, finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¼ cup almond butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (as needed for texture)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, finely chopped dried apples, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
2. Add wet ingredients: Add almond butter, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce to the dry mixture. Use a spatula to stir thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add an additional tablespoon of applesauce to reach a moldable consistency.
3. Roll into balls: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place them onto a tray or plate lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill (optional): Although they can be eaten immediately, chilling the protein balls in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes improves their texture and helps them firm up.

Notes

• Chop dried apples very finely to avoid chewy chunks in the balls.
• If almond butter is too runny, use cold almond butter to help the balls hold their shape better.
• Start with 1 tablespoon of applesauce and add more only if the mixture feels too dry.
• For best freshness and texture, store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge.
• These protein balls can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw 5–10 minutes before eating.

Keywords: Apple pie protein balls, no bake protein balls, healthy snacks, gluten free snacks, protein snacks, quick energy bites, vegan protein bites, apple cinnamon snacks