Go Back
To make these tasty caramel apple energy balls, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here's what you will gather: - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup almond butter - ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce - ¼ cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup diced dried apples - ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional) - ¼ teaspoon sea salt Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. The rolled oats give a hearty base. Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats. Unsweetened apple sauce brings natural sweetness and moisture. Honey or maple syrup provides extra sweetness. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, making each bite feel cozy. Diced dried apples give bursts of fruity flavor and chewiness. If you choose to add mini chocolate chips, they offer a nice touch of sweetness. Lastly, a pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors. Gather these ingredients before you start so you can easily whip up these delicious snacks. - Measuring and mixing the dry ingredients Start by gathering your ingredients. Measure 1 cup of rolled oats. Add this to a large mixing bowl. Next, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. Mix these dry items well. This step gives the energy balls a nice flavor base. - Combining wet ingredients for the mixture In the same bowl, add ½ cup of almond butter and ½ cup of unsweetened apple sauce. If you like, you can use ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no dry spots left. - Shaping the energy balls Now comes the fun part! Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it between your hands to form a ball. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can make around 12 to 15 energy balls in total. Keep rolling until you use all the mixture. - Refrigeration process Place the baking sheet in the fridge. Let the energy balls chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely. After they set, transfer the balls to an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze them for longer storage! - Ensuring proper mixing for texture: Mix the dry and wet ingredients well. This helps the balls hold together. If the texture feels too dry, add a little more apple sauce or almond butter. - Using fresh ingredients for optimal flavor: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use new rolled oats and fresh dried apples. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor. - How to easily roll the mixture into balls: Use your hands to scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it gently into a ball. If your hands get sticky, wet them slightly. This makes rolling easier. - Ideas for pairing with fruits or yogurt: These energy balls go well with fresh fruit. Try them with apple slices or bananas. They also taste great with yogurt for a quick snack. - Packaging for on-the-go snacks: Store the energy balls in a small container. This makes them easy to grab when you're busy. You can also wrap them in parchment paper for a fun touch. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your caramel apple energy balls. Here are some fun ideas: - Substituting nut butter options: Try using peanut butter or cashew butter instead of almond butter. Each nut butter brings a different taste and texture. You can even mix two nut butters for more depth. - Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger: A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger can add warmth. These spices pair well with apples and cinnamon. Don't be shy to experiment with your favorite spices! - Incorporating nuts for added crunch: You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. They also boost the protein in your snack. Just fold them into the mixture when you add the dried apples. These energy balls can fit various diets. Here’s how: - Vegan options by substituting honey: If you want a vegan snack, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. - Gluten-free alternatives with certified oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This way, those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these tasty bites without worry. After making your caramel apple energy balls, you should store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. I recommend using an airtight container. It helps to keep out air and moisture. This way, your energy balls stay firm and delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep your energy balls longer, freezing is a great option. Place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, simply take out the number you need. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also heat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer. Enjoy your snack anytime! You can use sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter. Both options work well. They add flavor and hold the mixture together. Just swap the almond butter for your choice. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup gives a sweet taste. It also keeps the energy balls soft. Just use the same amount as the honey. These energy balls last up to a week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them. Yes, you can freeze caramel apple energy balls. They freeze well for up to three months. Just place them in a single layer in a container. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can use dried pears or dried apricots. Both add a nice chew and sweetness. Just chop them into small pieces, like the dried apples. You now have a simple and tasty recipe for energy balls. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips to make them shine. You can adapt flavors and even modify for dietary needs. Remember, using fresh ingredients ensures better taste and texture. Store them properly to enjoy longer. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients for fun new flavors. I hope you make these and love every bite!

Caramel Apple Energy Balls

Looking for a delicious yet healthy snack? Try these Caramel Apple Energy Balls! Packed with rolled oats, almond butter, and bursts of dried apples, they're perfect for on-the-go energy. With just a few simple ingredients, these easy-to-make bites will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you energized. Ready to whip up some magical snacks? Click through to discover the full recipe and get started on your tasty adventure!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup almond butter

½ cup unsweetened apple sauce

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup diced dried apples

¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond butter, apple sauce, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until well combined.

    Add the cinnamon and sea salt, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

      Gently fold in the diced dried apples and mini chocolate chips (if using) until they are well incorporated.

        Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used, placing each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

          Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.

            Once set, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12-15 energy balls