These Apple Protein Balls are made with crunchy pecans, sweet dates, dried apples and packed with cozy apple pie spices, protein and fiber. In just 10 minutes, you can whip these energy bites up for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or pre-workout snack! Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo and freezer-friendly!
PIN HERE for later and follow my boards for more healthy recipes.
Easy Apple Protein Ball Recipe
Looking for a quick and healthy snack to keep on hand throughout the week? These Apple Protein Balls are jam-packed with hearty and delicious ingredients and make the perfect grab-and-go or post workout snack to make if you need a super quick no-bake treat. You can throw them together in minutes and store them in the fridge all week long!
Everyone could use a healthy make-ahead snack recipe. These simple energy bites have a sweet and nutty flavor with cozy fall spices that will keep you coming back for more! And it’s easy to customize them with your favorite energy ball ingredients. Looking for more protein ball recipes? You’ll find 12 more delicious Protein Balls here.
What Are Protein Balls?
Protein balls are basically little balls of superfood made with ground nuts, protein powder, dates and more. They’re an ultra-nutritious, ultra-satisfying snack for any occasion. These apple cinnamon bliss balls are so chewy and flavorful, and they work with gluten-free, paleo, vegan, dairy-free and grain-free diet plans!
Are These a Healthy Snack?
You bet! Even though these apple bliss balls are sweet and yummy, they’re very good for you as well. The dates are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, and the nuts provide protein, carbs and more. Overall, these apple pie energy balls are a well-rounded snack that will fuel your body and make you feel amazing!
Recipe Ingredients
Apple protein bites come together with a handful of hearty ingredients. You can make substitutions to suit your preferences or stick with what’s listed below.
- Pecans: full of healthy fats, fiber and added protein. If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can sub with sliced or slivered almonds, walnuts or cashews.
- Medjool Dates: You’ll need about 8 pitted dates.
- Protein Powder: We like this plant-based protein powder. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, sub with ground flaxseeds or ground hempseeds. We have not tested this with a Whey protein powder since we wanted to keep this bliss ball recipe vegan but feel free to do so if it fits with your dietary preference.
- Dried Apples: For a pop of fruitiness!
- Almond Butter: To hold everything together. You can sub with any creamy nut butter or seed butter you like.
- Vanilla Extract: For flavor.
- Sea Salt: To taste.
How to Make Apple Protein Balls
Get ready for the easiest snack of your life! These energy bites are as simple as pulverizing, rolling and chilling.
- Grind Nuts: Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Dates & Grind: Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until the dates are broken down and the mixture clumps together.
-
- Shape: Roll a half-tablespoon-size of the mixture into a ball with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture. This recipe will make about 10-14 balls. For extra cinnamon flavour, dust/roll the energy balls in cinnamon.
- Serve or Store: Keep these apple bliss balls in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
To ensure your protein balls are as tasty as can be, check out the following tips and tricks.
- Use Good Dates: Make sure your dates are fresh and not stale or hard. If they have gotten stale, you can soften them up again and make them good as new! Simply place them in a bowl and pour boiling water into the bowl until all of the dates are submerged. Let the bowl sit, covered, for about 5 minutes, then remove the dates and drain out the moisture.
- Use a Food Processor: You will need a food processor or blender for this recipe in order to pulverize the ingredients. Don’t stop pulsing until the mixture starts clumping together.
- Season/Substitute to Taste: Feel free to add an extra pinch of salt to this recipe, use a different flavored extract or add another kind of dried fruit, if desired. You could also add coconut flakes or chia seeds!
How to Store Homemade Protein Balls
You should keep these apple cinnamon energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge. I personally love enjoying them once they’ve been chilled! They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I Freeze These?
You sure can! These apple bliss balls will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just remember to keep them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw frozen date balls in the fridge before enjoying.
More Healthy Snack Ideas
We have tons of other healthy snack recipes that you’re sure to love. Don’t be shy, give these ones a try!
These Apple Protein Balls are made with crunchy pecans, sweet dates, dried apples and packed with cozy apple pie spices, protein and fiber. In just 10 minutes, you can whip these energy bites up for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or pre-workout snack! Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, paleo and freezer-friendly!
- 1 1/4 cups pecans
- 1 cup Medjool dates , pitted (about 8)
- 2 cups dried apples
- 2 tbsp vanilla or plain plant-based protein powder , we like this plant-based protein powder. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, sub with ground flaxseeds or ground hempseeds.
- 1 tbsp drippy almond butter , or sub any nut butter or seed butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp all spice
- Pinch of sea salt
Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until the dates are broken down and the mixture clumps together.
Roll a half-tablespoon-size of the mixture into a ball with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture. This recipe will make about 10-14 balls. For extra cinnamon flavour, dust/roll the energy balls in cinnamon.
Keep in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
Leave a Comment