Apple Pie Protein Balls
These Apple Pie Protein Balls are the perfect snack for me because they’re easy to make, taste like dessert, and are full of good things.
You can make them in 10 minutes with no baking or fuss.
They’re perfect for busy days, after a workout, or any time you want something sweet but healthy.
Okay, here’s the deal: I make these on Sundays and they’re gone by Tuesday. They’re that good. They are soft and cinnamon-y, with a little chewiness from the oats and a little crunchiness from the walnuts. The dried apples give them the best pie flavor.
Why These Apple Pie Protein Balls Are Great
- No need for an oven; it tastes like a bite of apple pie.
- Oats and protein keep you full.
- Not too sweet, but sweet
- Simple to pick up and leave
- You only need one bowl and one spoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rolled oats from the past
- ½ cup of vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- ½ cup of dried apples, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup of walnuts cut up
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- A little bit of salt
- ¼ cup of almond butter
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce, as needed for texture
Equipment
- Bowl for mixing
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board for cutting apples and walnuts
- Hands or a cookie scoop
- Parchment paper on a plate or tray
Instructions
1. Combine the dry ingredients
In a big bowl, mix together the oats, protein powder, chopped dried apples, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add the wet stuff
Add the dry ingredients to the almond butter, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Use a spatula to mix everything together well. If it’s too dry, add another spoonful of applesauce.
3. Make balls
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to make 1-inch balls out of the dough. Put them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Optional Chill
You can eat them right away, but they’re even better if you put them in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes first.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut the dried apples into very small pieces so they don’t get chewy.
- If the almond butter is runny, use cold almond butter. It helps the balls keep their shape.
- Add more applesauce only if it is too dry. Start with 1 tbsp.
- For the best texture, chill before eating.
- For the best freshness, keep in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you add too much applesauce, it will get sticky and hard to roll.
- If you don’t chop dried apples enough, they will be chewy.
- Using a dry protein powder that doesn’t have a binder (it will fall apart)
- Not mixing enough—make sure you take the time to mix it all together well.
- No almond butter? Use butter made from peanuts or sunflower seeds.
- You can use chopped dried pears or raisins instead of dried apples.
- For more fiber, add flaxseeds or chia seeds.
- For a fun twist, try chocolate protein powder.
Storage
- You can make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to seven days.
- You can freeze it for up to two months. Just let it thaw for 5 to 10 minutes before you eat it.
- In the fridge, keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to two months.
Serving Suggestions
- Good for lunch boxes or snacks at work
- A cup of hot coffee or chai
- A bowl of yogurt with fruit
- As a snack on the side with your salad or lunch wrap
- Before or after working out
- Two protein balls and Greek yogurt for breakfast on the go
- After working out, have two protein balls and a banana as a snack.
- 1–2 balls and iced matcha in the afternoon
- Two balls with warm almond milk make a healthy dessert.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 115 calories
- 6 grams of protein
- 12g of carbs
- 5g of fat
- 2 grams of fiber
- 5 grams of sugar, mostly from dried apples and maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to use fresh apples instead of dried ones?
A: No, I wouldn’t. They let out too much moisture. Stay with dried.
Q: Do these not have gluten?
A: Yes, just use oats that are certified gluten-free.
Q: What if I don’t have any protein powder?
A: You can skip it and just add 2 more tablespoons of oats and a little more nut butter.
Q: Is it okay to double the batch?
A: Yes, 100%. A big bowl is all you need.
These Apple Pie Protein Balls are for you if you love the taste of apple pie and need a quick, healthy snack. I promise you’ll make them again after you make them once. Leave a comment below when you try them! I’d love to hear how they turned out or answer any questions you have. 🍏🤍