Apple Pie Protein Balls Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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