Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites

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 ideas for snacks to make and keep on hand.

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, like my apricot energy bars, so that they could go in a school lunchbox, even when my youngest was in a nut-free preschool!

Apple Energy Balls – Cinnamon-y Bites Kids Love!

My kids make these snack bites disappear in no time, and I know yours will too. Here’s why…

• Taste kids love. The combination of dried dates and apples give them the caramel apple flavor you love with the perfect hint of cinnamon.
• Get the kids involved. Only four ingredients and so easy to make, so they are kid-friendly from preparing them to popping them in their mouths. While you need to keep little fingers away from the food processor, this is the perfect recipe to have them help measure the ingredients. And once it’s all mixed up, they have so much fun rolling it into balls.
• Great for packing. Perfectly portable and poppable, plus they are gluten free, dairy free, nut- and peanut-free, and vegan. So you can pack them on-the-go or share them with friends without having to worry about any kids with food allergies or sensitivities.

Energy Balls Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this easy recipe so you can check your pantry or add the items to your grocer list. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions!

• 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 or apple chips.
• Uncooked Old-Fashioned Oats – use certified gluten free oats, if needed. Learn more in my article, Are Oats Gluten Free?
• Cinnamon – it adds a lovely warm spice flavor that always pairs so well with the flavor of apples.

Tips for Success

• Get the right texture. You want the dates and apples to break down enough to form almost like a thick paste or dough. While processing the mixture, scrape down the sides as needed. If it is still not coming together, att a bit of water, but just a teaspoon at a time so it doesn’t get too moist.
• Use the right apples. 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.
• Make them big or small. 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 apple cinnamon bites.

Storing Apple Energy Balls

• Countertop – Store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
• Fridge – If you need to keep them more more than a week, they will also last longer in the refrigerator. You can keep them for about 2-3 weeks if refrigerated.
• Freezer – They can even be frozen in a plastic freezer bag for a few months. So make a double batch and you can always have some on hand.

More Energy Ball Recipes

• Pumpkin Energy Balls
• Cherry Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
• Coconut Pineapple Energy Balls
• Ginger Cookie Energy Balls