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    Home » Snacks

    No Bake Apple Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    February 22, 2019 by Chrissy Carroll 27 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I’m always on the lookout for snacks that are tasty and filling.  I love plain ol’ fruits and veggies just as much as the next person, but let’s be honest – I think we all want some variety in our snack options.  And that includes having something rich and sweet that satisfies your cravings.  These apple peanut butter energy balls are the perfect option!

    This article was originally published in 2016; it was updated in 2019.

    Disclosure:  This contains Amazon affiliate links.  As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

    No bake apple peanut butter oatmeal balls in a white dish

    Why I love apple peanut butter energy balls

    I’ve seen the healthy energy ball trend explode on Pinterest in the last year, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the first few recipes I tried.  A few weeks ago, I decided to just try to make up my own recipe and am in love with it.  

    I love this healthy snack because it combine fruits (apples and dates) with whole grains (oats) and healthy fats/protein (peanut butter and chia seeds) into one amazing grab-and-go option!

    These no bake apple peanut butter energy bites have a primarily peanut-y flavor, but also have a subtle sweetness thanks to the dates and apple.  I use fresh-picked apples from the local farm (honeycrisp are finally ripe – I’m in heaven!) but you can experiment with any type of apple or even dried apples.  When it comes to apple types, I’m personally a fan of Zestar, Gala, or Ginger Gold in this recipe.  But again, any type works.

    Plus, all of the ingredients should be pretty easy to find, and you only need six of them.  The only thing that could be a little tough depending on the area where you live are the chia seeds. but most grocery stores carry them these days in the natural section (though you can easily leave those out if you don’t want to include them or can’t find them). 

    What kind of dates should you buy for this recipe?

    For dates, you’re looking for whole pitted dates.  There are two kinds you can look for at the store:

    • Medjool Dates:  At the grocery stores around here, medjool dates are usually in a plastic container in the produce section.  These are typically bigger and a bit moister than other varieties, but also tend to be more expensive. You can find them online if you can’t find them at the supermarket.
    • Deglet Nour Dates:  As an alternative, you can check the dried fruit section for some of the common commercially packaged pitted dates.  These are a bit smaller and less expensive, though some people complain they’re drier.  Though most brands don’t say the specific type of date on these packages, I’m assuming they’re deglet nour since that’s a very common type.  

    I’ve made these with both varieties and don’t notice a big difference in the final outcome – so use what you prefer and what fits your budget!

    What if you don’t like dates?

    I’ve heard from a few people that they’re not a fan of dates.  While I personally think they lend the best flavor for these peanut butter oatmeal energy balls, you can also substitute in golden raisins instead. 

    If you’re not a date or raisin fan, you could try using honey or brown rice syrup as a sweetener and binder. I haven’t tried it in this recipe, but just a) keep in mind you’ll want to decrease the total amount compared to the dates (maybe start with 1/4 cup), and b) keep in mind this is added sugar versus naturally occurring sugar in the dates. 

    A tray full of no bake peanut butter apple energy bites

    You don’t have to bake these?

    Nope!  You don’t have to bake them at all – just roll ’em up and pop them in the fridge.  I’ve been putting them on a baking sheet in the fridge to chill them before tossing them all in a tupperware so as to avoid them sticking together, but that step is probably unnecessary. 

    Some people have asked me about eating raw oats in these apple energy bites, and wonder if that’s safe.  Yes, it is safe!  

    The concern about this comes from phytic acid in oats, also known as phytate.  Phytic acid can bind with certain minerals and make them more difficult to absorb.  If you were eating a ton of uncooked raw oats this could create a problem, but it’s nothing to worry about with some occasional energy balls.

    The only issue a small percentage of people may have is a little bloating, as some people don’t digest raw oats as well as cooked oats.  If this is the case, you can try eliminating the oats and using a combination of different seeds (like pumpkin, chia, etc) and coconut flakes instead.

    These no bake apple peanut butter energy bites are a great snack for adults and kids alike. This family friendly recipe takes just a few minutes to make in the food processor and can be stored in the fridge for easy snacking throughout the week.

    A great meal prep snack!

    What’s great about these apple peanut butter energy bites is they are perfect for kids and adults AND can be prepped ahead of time.  My 1.5 year old is absolutely obsessed with these right now.  If I make a big batch over the weekend, I know that it’s a snack I can keep in the fridge and quickly give him without any additional prep work during the week. 

    As an aside, with Halloween on the horizon, you can also make these a fun, festive treat.  Just add some edible googly eyes and boom – they’re spooky energy bites!

    apple peanut butter balls with edible candy eyeballs

    Of course, these are great for adults too.  For anyone trying to eat more nutritious snacks, these provide a lovely balance of carbs, protein and healthy fat that are super satisfying and nutritious. 

    Give ‘em a try and let me know what you think!  They taste best after being chilled, so take the time to put them in the fridge for a bit after you make them for optimal flavor.

    PS – If you’re looking for more delicious apple recipes, be sure to try my apple mug cake and or these cottage cheese pancakes with sauteed apples.  If you’re looking for more peanut butter recipes, try peanut butter protein fudge or peanut butter honey cheerios bars.

    These no bake apple peanut butter energy bites are a lovely healthy snack! The recipe is super easy to make with only 6 ingredients. It’s as simple as mixing in the food processor, rolling into balls, & refrigerating!

    No Bake Apple Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Snacking in Sneakers
    These no bake apple peanut butter energy balls are a lovely healthy snack! The recipe is super easy to make with only 6 ingredients. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 energy bites
    Calories 120 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 apple, peeled and diced
    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
    • 1/2 cup dates, whole (not chopped)
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tbsp chia seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Add everything to a food processor and process until well combined. You may have to stop the processor and run a spoon down the sides a few times. Once well combined, roll into balls and refrigerate. These taste best chilled straight out of the fridge!

    Notes

    Tips:
    You can keep these in the fridge for several days. You can also freeze them! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to defrost when ready to eat.
    Nutrition Analysis (approximate per serving – 1 ball):
    120 calories, 6 g fat, 50 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 4 g protein

    Nutrition

    Calories: 120kcal
    Keyword apple peanut butter energy balls, apple peanut butter energy bites
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  What’s your favorite satisfying snack?  Have you jumped on the energy bite train?  If you tried these apple peanut butter oatmeal balls, what did you think?!

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing nutrition and fitness tips, as well as recipes, for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. GiGi Eats

      September 20, 2016 at 9:17 am

      No baking = the best way to eat!!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:26 pm

        Haha, so true Gigi! Unless of course it’s something like chicken…then I’m 100% about the baking 😉

        Reply
    2. Carmy

      September 20, 2016 at 9:35 am

      Yum! I love no-bakes!!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:26 pm

        So convenient, right?

        Reply
    3. Kim Kremer

      September 20, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Those sound easy & tasty – they’re on my list to try!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:31 pm

        Thanks Kim! I hope you enjoy them 🙂

        Reply
    4. Abbey

      September 20, 2016 at 3:38 pm

      These look amazing!! Love apples with cinnamon!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:31 pm

        Me too 🙂 In many different forms, these energy bites included!

        Reply
    5. Susie @ SuzLyfe

      September 20, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      I’m weird–I’m all no-bites but then I have them and love them and go CRAZY with them! I’m such a woman ;D

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:31 pm

        Hahaha, I was not into them for a while but this is the recipe that really changed my mind.

        Reply
    6. Melissa @ Mango About Town

      September 20, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      These look so delicious. Its so hard to find bites/balls that dont have protein powder in them.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:32 pm

        Yes! So many of the ones on Pinterest include powder, which is fine for people that want to use them, but when I’m making these for my family – 1.5 year old included – I just want whole foods in them.

        Reply
    7. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

      September 20, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      i have never used apples in my energy bites – this is going to happen soon!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:33 pm

        Hope you give it a try – I really like the subtle sweetness it adds.

        Reply
    8. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious

      September 20, 2016 at 9:25 pm

      These look delicious. Apples and peanut butter are such a great combination!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:33 pm

        I know, such a classic snacktime combo! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit

      September 20, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      I am absolutely going to make these. Is there anything better than apples and peanut butter together in snack form?! NO.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:33 pm

        Haha, I know, right?! Hope you love ’em Tara.

        Reply
    10. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com

      September 21, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them, thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:33 pm

        You’re so welcome; hope you enjoy them!

        Reply
    11. Esther

      September 21, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Yum! I def need to try these. I am like you, I was not a fan of any of the recipes I tried, so I ended up making my own 2 years ago! I love the apple/pb comb in yours!
      I love a little chocolate in mine, but now I want to try some with out to see how it compares!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        September 22, 2016 at 8:34 pm

        I’m definitely going to make a good chocolate recipe too – because hey, what girl doesn’t need chocolate?! – but I like these for a different flavor combo. 🙂

        Reply
    12. kim

      February 21, 2019 at 10:28 pm

      I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t see a recipe anywhere.
      Thanks

      Reply
    13. kim

      February 21, 2019 at 10:58 pm

      I can’t see the recipe. Can you please email it to me. thanks

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 22, 2019 at 2:42 pm

        Hi Kim! So strange. Will shoot you an email over in a minute! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Darby Teague

      February 8, 2023 at 1:24 pm

      Do you have any peanut and jelly balls for toddlers ( picky eaters)? Or any protein ideas?

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        February 14, 2023 at 11:37 pm

        Hi Darby! I don’t have any PB&J balls right now, though I do have a PB&J oatmeal recipe – https://www.snackinginsneakers.com/peanut-butter-jelly-oatmeal/. I also have some banana protein balls that you might like – https://www.snackinginsneakers.com/peanut-butter-banana-oat-balls/. Hope that helps! You’ve definitely given me an idea to do a PB&J ball though 🙂

        Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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