No-Bake Apple Pie Energy Bites
Enjoy the cozy flavors of a spiced apple crumble in a wholesome, no-bake bite. Perfectly portable for a quick boost of energy anytime you need it.
Servings 16
Calories 260kcal
Equipment
- High-power blender or food processor
- Small heatproof bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup pitted Deglet Noor dates
- ⅔ cup dried apple rings chopped
- ⅔ cup creamy unsalted almond butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- Scant ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Base: In the bowl of a food processor, add the rolled oats and toasted walnuts. Pulse several times until the mixture resembles a coarse, sandy meal. Transfer to a separate bowl and set aside.
- Rehydrate the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a small heatproof bowl. Carefully pour enough very hot (not boiling) water to cover them completely. Allow the dates to soak and soften for about 7 minutes, then drain all water thoroughly.
- Create the Fruit Paste: Add the drained dates, chopped dried apple, and unsalted almond butter to the now-empty food processor bowl.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and fine sea salt over the fruit and butter mixture.
- Process Until Smooth: Secure the lid and process on high speed. The mixture will break down and eventually form a thick, sticky paste. Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the reserved oat and walnut mixture back into the food processor. Pulse until everything is fully incorporated and a uniform, rollable dough forms.
- Shape the Bites: Scoop the dough by the tablespoon (about 1 ½ tbsp or 30 g each). Roll the portions firmly between your palms to create 16 compact spheres.
- Chill to Firm: Arrange the bites in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set and become firm before serving.
Notes
Storage: The finished bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer-term storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Swaps: Pecans or cashews make a great substitute for walnuts. For a nut-free alternative, use sunflower seed butter and raw sunflower seeds in equal amounts.
Troubleshooting: If the dough feels too dry to stick together, add an extra teaspoon of almond butter or water. If it seems too wet or sticky to roll easily, chill the entire mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)
Serving Size: 2 bites (60 g)- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 14.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.5 g
- Total Sugars: 16 g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0 g
- Net Carbohydrates: 19.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 75 mg
- Iron: 1.6 mg
- Potassium: 440 mg