Apple Pie Protein Bites are a tasty and healthy snack that brings the flavor of fall in every bite. Made with real apples and yummy spices, they are sweet, chewy, and packed with protein!
These bites are super easy to make, so I whip them up whenever I crave something sweet without the guilt. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a boost after a workout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide a hearty base for the bites. If you need gluten-free options, make sure to choose certified gluten-free oats. I find that quick oats can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Raw Almonds: I like to use almonds for their flavor and crunch, but feel free to swap them with walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies. Each nut brings a different taste, so explore what you prefer!
Dates: Pitted dates add natural sweetness and stickiness. In a pinch, you can substitute them with dried figs or prunes, but the taste will vary a little bit. Maple syrup could also work, but you might need to adjust the amounts of other ingredients.
Dried Apple Pieces: These add a wonderful flavor reminiscent of fresh apple pie. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh apple but be ready for a moist mixture—just ensure you chop the apples finely and rinse off excess moisture.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is a great choice here, but if you prefer peanut butter or sunbutter, those can be used too. Just remember this affects the overall flavor slightly, which can be fun to experiment with!
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Your Protein Bites?
The texture of your Apple Pie Protein Bites is key for that perfect chewy mouthfeel. Here’s how you can achieve this:
- When processing the oats, go for a chunky texture rather than fine powder. This gives the bites a nice, hearty bite.
- Chop the almonds so they still have some crunch to them. This adds good texture and prevents the protein bites from being too mushy.
- Balancing moisture is crucial. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little extra nut butter or a splash of water. If it’s too wet, add more oats or protein powder.
- Chill the bites properly! Refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up for easier handling.
Apple Pie Protein Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds (or other nuts), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted
For Flavoring and Binding:
- 1/2 cup dried apple pieces, chopped small
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty protein bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oats and Nuts:
Using a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they are chunky but not processed into a fine powder. This gives a nice texture to the bites. Next, add the chopped raw almonds and pulse a few times until they are roughly chopped. You want to keep some crunch!
2. Mixing in the Flavor and Sweetness:
Now, toss in the pitted dates, dried apple pieces, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), protein powder, and a pinch of salt into the food processor. Pulse everything together until the mix is well combined and starts to get sticky.
3. Bringing it All Together:
Add the almond butter, honey (if desired for extra sweetness), and vanilla extract to the mixture. Keep processing until everything comes together into a sticky dough. If it’s too dry, just add a splash of water or more nut butter.
4. Rolling the Bites:
Take spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Get your hands a little sticky—it’s part of the fun!
5. Chilling Out:
Place the rolled balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely for easier eating.
6. Storing and Enjoying:
Once chilled, store your Apple Pie Protein Bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Grab a few whenever you need a quick, healthy snack!
Enjoy making and munching on these delightful bites!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that they will create a smoother texture compared to rolled oats. You may want to reduce the amount slightly to prevent the bites from becoming too mushy.
Can I Substitute Fresh Apples for Dried Apples?
Sure! If using fresh apples, make sure to chop them finely and remove excess moisture, as they can make the mixture too wet. You might need to adjust the amount of oats or protein powder to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in extras like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or seeds for added flavor and texture. Just make sure that any additional ingredients don’t overwhelm the core mix!