Pinned & Proven: Apple Pie Energy Bites

Fall has arrived and that means fresh apples are now available in abundance! I’ve been eating my Stemilt apple a day without effort (I’m very fond of our SweeTango apples right now), but noticed this weekend that my fridge was still quite full of apples. As I often do, I turned to Pinterest to help remedy that, and after a quick browse of apple snack ideas, I found a healthy, tasty, grab-and-go snack that I knew would be perfect for our family’s busy week ahead.

To me, one of the best things about apples is that they are such a portable snack on their own. Toss one in your purse, your lunch…wherever you wish…and it will be ready to eat in an instant. But sometimes, it’s fun to mix up snack time with several ingredients that each provide their own benefit towards fueling your body. Energy, or protein, bites are perfect for doing just that! After coming across a pin for Delighted Momma’s no bake Apple Pie Energy Snacks, I knew I had to give these a try. With dates, apples, flax seeds, and nuts, these energy bites are chock full of protein, fiber, potassium, and healthy fats like omega-3s.

Although not a perfect replication of the original (I made a few adaptations based on ingredients I had on hand), these came together with ease, and despite using pretty healthy ingredients, are full of sweetness and that classic apple pie flavor that I was after when I decided to give them a go. The best part? They can be stored in the freezer or fridge to enjoy well after you make them! My husband was particularly thrilled with these nutritious apple bites as he plans to use them as “fuel” during a duathlon he is participating in this weekend. My two-year-old son was a fan as well. In my book, that definitely makes this “pin” worth recreating!

Apple Pie Energy Bites

Recipe adapted from: Delighted Momma

Makes: 12 bites

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup of pitted dates (roughly 14 dates)

• • 1/2 of a Stemilt apple, chopped into one inch squares (I used SweeTango apples)

• • 1/3 cup of whole roasted flax seeds

• • 1/4 cup of almonds

• • 1/4 cup of walnuts

• • 1 TBSP of coconut oil, melted

• • 1 TBSP of applesauce (optional)

• • 1 tsp of cinnamon

• • 1 tsp of vanilla

• • Special equipment: food processor

Procedure: 

First, I removed the pits from the dates. Slicing a date in half lengthwise makes it easy to pop the pit right out. Next, chop the apple into 1-inch squares, leaving the skin on. Add all ingredients into your food processor and blend the ingredients. (I have a mini food processor and would do this in segments next time. It was just too much for the little gadget to handle. I also think it’s time for a big food processor now!). You want a course texture to roll the mixture into ball-shaped bites. Since my food processor was having a hard time blending, I added a bit of applesauce to help soften the mixture. A few more pulses and I had a fairly wet mixture that still worked well. (My mix was had more chunks than the original which I believe was because of the use of a smaller food processor.)

Roll the mixture into 12 equal size bites. Place each bite on parchment paper and then place in refrigerator or freezer to harden. Enjoy anytime!

What is your favorite apple snack recipe? Have any great Pinterest finds lately? Have you been enjoying apples this fall? Let us know in the comments below!