Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

5.0
(3)
2 Reviews

These energy balls marry two of fall’s best flavors: apples and pumpkin pie spice. You can substitute the applesauce with apple butter for a stronger apple flavor. Don’t confuse dried apples with apple chips! Apple chips have a crisp texture that will make the energy balls too crunchy. If your apple mixture is too sticky and hard to roll, lightly grease your hands with cooking spray or simply refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling.

By
Liz Mervosh
Elizabeth Mervosh
Liz Mervosh

Elizabeth Mervosh is a recipe tester and developer for Dotdash Meredith Food Studios in Birmingham, Alabama. She creates and fine-tunes recipes for brands including Southern Living, Real Simple, Food & Wine, People and EatingWell.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on November 3, 2023
Tested by
Craig Ruff
Craig Ruff
Tested by Craig Ruff

Craig Ruff was first exposed to professional food service while working for an event center at the business school he was attending. There, he was responsible for maintaining the kitchen for caterers. He has been a lifelong cook, and followed his passion through culinary school and to working in restaurants.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
a recipe photo of the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free
ingredients for making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted dates

  • 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 3/4 cup chopped dried apples

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 1/3 cup unsalted, unsweetened smooth peanut butter

  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (see Tip)

  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for dusting

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Place dates in a small bowl; cover with hot water and let soak until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

    a step in making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  2. Pulse dates in a food processor until a coarse paste forms, about 4 (2-second) pulses.

    a step in making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  3. Add oats, dried apples, applesauce, peanut butter, walnuts, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture comes together and clumps, about 10 (2-second) pulses, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

    a step in making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

  4. Roll the mixture into 16 balls (about 2½ tablespoons each). Very lightly sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Refrigerate, uncovered, until firm, about 20 minutes.

    a step in making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Tip

To toast chopped nuts, place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 2 balls


Calories 246, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 36g, Total Sugars 20g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 5g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 39mg, Potassium 231mg

EatingWell.com, November 2023

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