These no-bake apple pie energy balls are easy to make in minutes with 6 simple pantry ingredients.

A plate of apple energy balls.

Love apple pie? Then these are the energy balls for you! They feature nuts, apple, dates and spices for the perfect apple pie vibe, no baking involved.

These are perfect for dessert, mid-day snacking, hiking, camping, before or after workouts or as part of a healthy breakfast.

They’re fun to make too and a great recipe to make with kids. Simply toss everything in a food processor until you have a sticky dough, then roll into balls and enjoy!

Apple lover? Don’t miss this apple cake, baked apple slices and apple crumble bars!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Apple pie flavour without the baking!
  • Perfect for a sweet snack or treat on-the-go.
  • Kid-friendly!
  • Super easy to make with just 6 pantry ingredients.
  • Taste like Apple Pie Larabars.
  • Vegan, gluten-free, no added sugar, high in fiber.
Close up of an apple pie energy bite with a bite taken out of it on a plate.

Ingredient Notes

  • Nuts: You can use raw pecans, walnuts, almonds or a mixture of the 3.
  • Dried Apple: You can use soft or crunchy dried apple slices or rings.
  • Dates: Any variety of date works!
  • Spices: You’ll need ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

How to Make this Recipe

Step 1. Soak the Dates

Soaking the dates isn’t totally necessary but I like to include it as a step just to be on the safe side in case your dates are overly dry. If your dates are nice and moist, you can skip the soaking.

To Soak Dates: Place pitted dates in a bowl, cover with hot water and let sit for 15 minutes. Drain them well and then proceed with the recipe.

Dates soaking in a bowl of water.

Step 2. Blend the Nuts

Add the pecans or walnuts to a food processor and blend to break down.

It’s ok if there are a few larger pieces left behind but overall they should resembled a grainy, coarse flour.

Blended nuts in a food processor.

Step 3. Add the Apple and Spices

Add the dried apple and spices and blend until the apple is broken down and incorporated into the nuts.

Blended apple and nuts in a food processor.

Step 4. Add the Dates

Add the drained dates and the spices and blend into a thick, sticky dough.

Quick Tip: It’s ok if the dates are wet when you add them just make sure they’re well-drained. Press them into the bowl or strainer when you drain them to help squeeze out excess water.

Raw energy ball dough in a food processor.

Finally, use your hands to roll the dough into balls. For an extra treat, give them a dusting of cinnamon and coconut sugar.

What if the dough isn’t sticking together? If the dough is too dry and crumbly to roll into balls, add 1 teaspoon of water, blend and check it again.

Continue until it reaches the right consistency to roll. This shouldn’t be an issue if you soaked the dates though.

A plate of apple energy balls.

Tips

  • Use a scale. If you have a kitchen scale, use it to measure ingredients for best results.
  • If you don’t have nutmeg and ginger on hand, 1/2 tsp allspice works as a substitute.

FAQs

How should I store apple pie balls?

Store the balls in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. They’re ok out of the fridge for a day if you’re taking them to-go but they’ll get soft if warm.

Are apple pie balls gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. You don’t need to make any changes.

Can I use cashews in this recipe?

Yes. For the nuts, you can use cashews, almonds, pecans or walnuts though I’d suggest pecans or walnuts for the best apple pie flavour.

A stack of energy balls on a plate.

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A plate of apple energy balls.

No-Bake Apple Pie Energy Balls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 15 balls
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These apple pie energy balls are made with soft dried apple, dates, walnuts and spices for a sweet, little treat that tastes like apple pie.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. Place the pitted dates in a bowl, cover with hot water and soak for 15 minutes. Drain well, squeezing or pressing the dates to remove excess water. It’s ok if they’re wet when you add them to the recipe, just make sure any excess water has been drained off.
  2. Add the nuts to a food processor and blend for 30-45 seconds on high until broken down into a coarse, grainy flour. If there are a few large pieces left behind that’s ok.
  3. Add the apple rings and blend until they’re broken down and incorporated into the nuts.
  4. Add the soaked dates and the rest of the ingredients and process into a thick, sticky dough.
  5. Use your hands to roll the dough into 15 balls.
  6. Option to combine equal parts coconut sugar and cinnamon and either roll the balls in it or give them a light dusting.
  7. Store the balls in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Dates need to be fresh and moist to hold the balls together. If they’re very dry and hard, soak in very hot water for 20 minutes and then drain before using.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 118
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g

UPDATE NOTE: This recipe was originally published on March 28, 2014.