This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls are quick and easy 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.
Energy balls are one of my boys’ favorite snacks to munch on. I have so many recipes, from Funky Monkey energy balls to cranberry almond 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
- 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?
Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips
Categories:
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.