High-Protein Apple Pie Energy Balls

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There’s something about the flavor of apple pie that just feels like comfort—warm, sweet, and full of spice. These protein apple pie energy balls channel all that nostalgic goodness into a no-bake snack that’s surprisingly good for you. They’re naturally sweetened, filled with fiber and healthy fats, and perfect for an afternoon energy boost or a post-workout bite. Bonus: they come together quickly and require zero oven time. Let’s make them.

What You Need

This recipe is short and sweet—literally. With just a few whole food ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes.

Start with 1 cup of apple chips (dried apples). These bring the concentrated apple flavor and chewy texture. If they’re very crispy, give them a soak in warm water for 5–10 minutes and pat dry before using. If they’re already pliable, you’re good to go.

You’ll also need 12 Medjool dates, pitted. These are the glue that binds everything together—and they add a rich, caramel-like sweetness that makes each bite feel indulgent.

3 tablespoons of protein powder should also be part of this recipe. Vanilla works really well with the apple pie flavor.

Add in 2 tablespoons of rolled oats for a bit of texture and heartiness. You don’t need much here, just enough to help with structure and balance out the richness of the dates and nuts.

Next up: ½ cup of walnuts. They’re soft enough to blend easily and bring a slightly buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with apple and spice.

For a nutrient boost, add 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds. These are rich in omega-3s and help the mixture stick together even better.

And of course, we can’t forget the spices. You’ll need 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of allspice. Together, they turn these simple ingredients into something that tastes exactly like apple pie filling.

Tool Requirements

You’ll need a food processor for this recipe—it’s the easiest way to break everything down and blend it into a sticky, rollable dough.

Grab a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and help with mixing, and keep a small cookie scoop or your hands ready for shaping the balls.

A baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper will come in handy for setting them up before chilling.

Preparation Instructions

Start by checking the texture of your Medjool dates—if they feel a little dry, let them soak in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up.

Drain well before using. In your food processor, pulse the walnuts, oats, protein powder, flax seeds, cinnamon, and allspice until they resemble a coarse, crumbly mix. Add in the dates and chopped apple chips, then blend everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms.

The mixture should hold together when pinched—if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until the texture is right. Once it’s ready, scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. If the mixture sticks to your palms, lightly dampen them or rub with a touch of coconut oil.

Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before storing.

Storage Tips

• Keep your apple pie energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft, chewy, and flavorful.
• For longer storage, freeze them! Just separate layers with parchment paper and seal in a container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy them straight from the freezer (they’re surprisingly good that way!) or let them thaw for 10–15 minutes for a softer bite.

High-Protein, Apple Pie Energy Balls

Craving something sweet and satisfying? These high-protein apple pie energy balls are the ultimate no bake vegan snack. Perfect for busy days, they double as an easy vegan dessert that's both healthy and delicious. Quick to make, even quicker to disappear!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 energy balls

Calories 95 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried apple chips hydrate for 5–10 min if very crispy, then pat dry
• 12 Medjool dates pitted (soak for 10 min if dry, then drain)
• 3 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
• 2 tablespoons rolled oats
• ½ cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

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Instructions

 

• If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
• If your apple chips are crisp, soak them for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry.
• In a food processor, pulse the walnuts, oats, protein powder, flax seeds, cinnamon, and allspice until crumbly.
• Add in the pitted dates and chopped apple chips.
• Blend until a sticky dough forms.
• If too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time until it holds together when pinched.
• Roll the dough into bite-sized balls using your hands.
• If sticky, lightly wet your hands or use a bit of coconut oil.
• Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 4.5g

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.