Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

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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.

a recipe photo of the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Credit:

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

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8 servings
ingredients for making the Apple & Peanut Butter Energy Balls

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

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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.

EatingWell.com, November 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

213 Calories
10g Fat
29g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 2 balls
Calories 213
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 15g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 6g 11%
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 1µg
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 1mg 5%
Folate 24µg
Vitamin K 1µg
Sodium 2mg 0%
Calcium 27mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Magnesium 55mg 13%
Potassium 288mg 6%
Zinc 1mg 9%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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