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Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls are quick and easy healthy no-bake snacks kids love with the flavor of a sweet and sticky caramel apple. You only need four ingredients and a few minutes to make this gluten free after school snack recipe. Since they are nut-free and peanut-free, these energy bites are a perfect allergy-friendly treat to pack in a lunchbox too!
Originally published Aug 17, 2014.
Apple Cinnamon No-Bake Energy Balls Recipe
My kids, like most, are all about snacking. Whether it’s easy peanut butter banana snacks or just a granola bar from a box, when they are home they want to eat all the things. That’s why I always need quick and healthy snacks to make.
These easy snacks are one of my boys’ favorite things to munch on. I have made several versions of no-bake energy balls, like these Funky Monkey Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls. But I wanted to make a variety without nuts or nut butter or any other major allergens. This way we could pack them on-the-go or share them with friends without having to worry about any kids with food allergies or sensitivities.
These no-bake energy bites have the caramel apple flavor you love with the perfect hint of cinnamon. They are an easy snack recipe the kids love to make and eat. Perfectly portable and poppable, they have only four ingredients, and are gluten free, dairy free, nut- and peanut-free, and vegan. Made with only real, whole ingredients, so you can feel good about eating this healthy snack. Even better, from the making to the eating, they are totally kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- Pitted Dried Dates – this is the key to making sticky energy balls and making these taste like caramel apples without adding sugar. They are “Nature’s caramel”!
- Dried Apples – the chewy kind, not the crisp freeze-dried apples.
- Uncooked Old-Fashioned Oats – you can get certified gluten free oats if needed.
- Cinnamon – it adds a lovely warm spice flavor that always pairs so well with the flavor of apples.
Other than that, all you need is a food processor or blender and a spatula.
BRIANNE’S FAVORITE BLENDER
You can also use a Blendtec blender with the Twister Jar which allows you to scrape down the sides while blending it. I am a Blendtec ambassador, and should you make any purchases through that link, I will receive a small commission, but that also means you can use the code CUPCAKESANDKALECHIPS to receive 20% off.
For making energy balls, recommend a high-powered blender like the Blendtec blender with the Twister Jar which allows you to scrape down the sides while blending it.
I am a Blendtec ambassador, and should you make any purchases through my Blendtec Store link, I will receive a small commission, but that also means you can use the code CUPCAKESANDKALECHIPS to receive 25% off.
Directions
- Toss all of the ingredients in the food processor.
- Pulse until it forms a thick paste, adding a bit of water and scraping down the sides, if needed.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into balls. You can use about 1/2 teaspoon if you want to make mini snack bites.
Tips for Success
- As I mentioned, these are made with the chewy kind of dried apples. If you prefer a brand unsulfured and preservative-free dried apples, I will caution that these tend to be a bit drier. If that is the case for the ones you purchase, just add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get a thick paste consistency.
- For the full-sized energy balls, use about a tablespoon of the mixture for each. If you have toddlers, you can use about one-quarter to one-half teaspoon to make little baby energy bites.
- You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, but they will also last longer in the refrigerator. They can even be frozen in a plastic freezer bag for a few months.
- Since they are nut-free, they are perfect to pack for daycare or school.
More easy nut-free snack recipes
- No-Bake Apricot Energy Bars
- Healthy Cheesecake Dip
- Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie
- Trail Mix Granola Bars
- Coconut Chia Granola
More energy ball recipes
- Cranberry Energy Balls
- Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
- Coconut Pineapple Energy Balls
- Ginger Cookie Energy Balls
No-Bake Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup dried apples not freeze dried, these are the chewy ones
- 1/2 cup uncooked oats gluten-free, if necessary
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or high-powered blender and process until it forms a thick paste. You may have to stop the food processor a couple of times to press down the mixture with a spatula.
- Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls. If you want the little bites, use about 1/4 teaspoon each.
Did you make this?
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Enjoy!
When I blended the ingredients it was completely dry. I added about 2 tablespoons of honey plus a few tablespoons of water to get the consistency needed to form balls. That being said my husband really enjoyed them and I will make them for him again.
Hi Laura! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. I have found that there are some brands of dried apples that tend to be more dry than others (and occasionally my dates get a little dried out when I buy the giant bag at Costco. Adding a touch of water is the perfect solution. You remind me that I should add that note.
Hi, I was wondering how well these store? Can I make them a day or two ahead of time and do they need to be refrigerated? They sound delish!
I’m not sure if I purchased the wrong dates.
A unsweetened pitted dates in a yellow reclosable bag. I’m not familiar with dates but it was the only choice of dates at the small store. They are chewy but don’t seem wet enough to blend the other dry ingredients.
Great, thanks!
My kitchen whiz struggles to blend these well, but I add some water and it works out. The flavours are fantastic! Keep up the great recipes.
Oh good, glad you got it to work for you. I guess it depends on the moistness of the dates.
I used chopped dates which I think were too dry to allow the mixture to stick together. I added about a teaspoon of maple syrup and it worked great. These are delicious!
Great way to improvise! Yes, the whole dates are quite moist.
Thanks for your response. Are the apples the apple chips? I’ve gone to a million stores and can’t find anything besides dried apples which are the apple chips. Thanks
No, these are the chewy dried apples. Like these – http://www.nuts.com/driedfruit/apples/slices.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla&gclid=Cj0KEQjw7IWgBRCjv8Cv4vfC3ckBEiQAE7nvR5wwRM52sACJVGHp5lfzcO03fQrH7GS3L3DavIPtfR0aAla18P8HAQ
What kind of oats? Rolled oats? Steel cut oats? Which is best?
Thanks
I used old fashioned oats. I’m sure rolled oats would be fine, as well as even the instant oats, though I am not sure about steel cut.
Congrats Brianne!!! Your fantastic Energy Balls are being featured this week at WONDERFULLY CREATIVE WEDNESDAYS!!! Hope to see you again!!! Love your nibbles…xo Nic
Oh yay! Thanks so much!
I don’t have kids but I enjoy these types of snacks for myself. I’m one of those people who gets caught up in my work and then I forget to eat. These little balls are the perfect thing to set on my desk so I can snack while working!
That is a great idea!
Please, please ,please, stop posting things as gluten free when they contain oats. I’m sick of trawling websites for gluten AND dairy free treats to find oats everywhere! If you could put apple and oat in the title, that would save others like me some time and energy. Thanks 🙂
I’m sorry! 🙂 I know gluten free oats can be a little trickier to find, but General Mills/Chex now has gluten free oatmeal on the store shelves. It might be a little easier to find and more affordable than the “specialty” brands.
Brianne, those look super good! I can’t wait to try them for my own whinny crew – what is it with little kids and that time of day?!?
ang
Haha, for my guys, “that” time of day is ALL day!
Fun recipe! Reminds me of something my grandmother made when she was alive.
Aww, that’s great!
I love dates and apples! This sounds heavenly, Brianne!
Thanks Cindy! They work well together!
Thanks!!
You’ve got some good eaters on your hands haha. These energy balls sound super yummy, I hope they keep The Bug and King Stuff full!
They are insane 🙂
I’d love to take a bag of these hiking! They sound SO delicious!
They are perfect for hiking!
I just love them… I hike a lot and these are perfect for when I’m at the top of the hill for a break..
Thanks a lot
Thank you, Maria! I’m glad you enjoyed the energy balls recipe.
I love these so much! I’m pretty obsessed with making energy balls and I’ve never done this combo. The apple, cinnamon and dates is like a healthy bite of pie with no guilt! I bet some nuts would be amazing in these, too. LOVE!
Nuts would be tasty! Thanks Amer!
Mmm. These look delicious!
Thank you!!
How long do these store and do they need to be refrigerated? I’m thinking they would be great for the hungry college kid care package.
If I am keeping them for awhile, I pop them in the fridge, but they are fine for sever days out of the fridge. They would be a nice surprise!
You know I am going to LOVE these. Great recipe for back to school or anytime in my opinion. I hope your visit to Annapolis went well.
They are a great easy treat! Thanks Sherron! Annapolis was beautiful as always, the househunting was a bit stressful but will all work out.
I call my little girl ‘bugs’ too 😉 I know what you mean, my kids eat ALL day long during the summer I swear my entire paycheck goes to Costco 😉
These little bites are so pretty and I can just taste them now, love the apple cinnamon combo! Gorgeous photography! Where do you get your pretty color backgrounds?
Aww! Thanks so much. And that background is just brown craft paper on the table and colored cardstock for the background.
So easy and tasty! I can’t wait to try these!
They are a great, simple snack! Thanks!
My daughter was an eating machine when she was smaller and still is at times. She would have devoured these and asked for more too!! Thanks for a great recipe!!
Yeah, I’m not even expecting my boys to grow out of it. Ever 🙂
I need these energy balls in my life! They look amazing!!
Give them a try! They are a great quick snack!
I love these! I have made energy balls using dates, but never with the ingredients you have. I can’t wait to make these for myself (no kids, haha)!
Thanks! I really like this combo!
I love caramel, so I guess I need to give the dates a try and these little energy balls sound like a perfect way to start! Thanks for sharing, Brianne!
Dates really do give a nice, caramel-y flavor!
This looks like a perfect snack for my kids and me and my husband! We all appreciate a tasty, healthy energy boost!
Oh great, enjoy!
OMG…this is too funny! Your kids are like the mouse in ‘If You Give A Mouse A Cookie’…one of my favorite books. You REALLY need the book, ‘Five Minutes Peace’!!
Great snack idea and the small ones could probably fit underneath the bathroom door…when you finally get some time for yourself!
I was thinking of that book as I was writing 🙂 and they find me in the bathroom!
I have always been intrigued with using dates in sweet treats like this – I seriously need to try it!
They really work well!
Haha, never a dull moment at your house! I remember those crazy times! I’m sure these wonderful energy balls keep the madness down to a manageable level…they sounds absolutely fabulous!!!
The excitement never ends! Thanks Liz!
I might not be a kid anymore but I want these as my power snack! They would have been the best lunch box surprise.
They are pretty tasty for kids and adults!