These Apple Pie Protein Balls are everything I love in a snack—easy to make, taste like dessert, and packed with good stuff.
You can whip them up in 10 minutes, no baking, no fuss.
They’re great for busy days, after workouts, or whenever you’re craving something sweet but want to keep it healthy.
🍎 Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, here’s the deal—I make these on Sundays and they’re gone by Tuesday. They’re that good. Soft, cinnamon-y, a little chewy from oats, a little crunchy from walnuts… and the dried apples give them the perfect pie flavor.
- Tastes like a bite of apple pie, no oven needed
- They keep you full, thanks to oats + protein
- Sweet but not too sweet
- Easy to grab and go
- All you need is one bowl and a spoon
🍏 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- ½ cup dried apples, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1–2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (as needed for texture)
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Oats give structure and lasting energy (slow-digesting carbs)
- Protein powder balances blood sugar and builds muscle
- Nut butter + walnuts = healthy fats that make you feel full
- Dried apples + cinnamon give that apple pie flavor—no oven required
- Applesauce keeps them moist without adding extra sugar
🍽️ Makes
Servings: 12 protein balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 (no cooking!)
Total Time: 10 minutes
🔢 Macros (Per Ball)
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g (mostly from dried apples + maple)
👩🍳 How to Make Apple Pie Protein Balls
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients
Instructions:
In a large bowl, stir together oats, protein powder, chopped dried apples, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Instructions:
Add almond butter, maple syrup, and 1 tbsp applesauce to the dry mixture. Stir well with a spatula until combined. If too dry, add another spoonful of applesauce.
Step 3: Roll into balls
Instructions:
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
Step 4: Chill (optional)
Instructions:
You can eat them right away, but they’re even better after chilling in the fridge for 15–30 minutes.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife and cutting board (for apples and walnuts)
- Cookie scoop or hands
- Plate or tray lined with parchment
💡 Pro Tips
- Chop dried apples super fine so you don’t get chewy chunks
- Use cold almond butter if it’s runny—it helps the balls hold shape
- Start with 1 tbsp applesauce and add more only if it’s too dry
- Chill before eating for the best texture
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for best freshness
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- No almond butter? Use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
- Swap dried apples for raisins or chopped dried pears
- Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber
- Use chocolate protein powder for a fun twist
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Make a batch and keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw 5–10 minutes before eating
🥗 What to Serve With
- A cup of hot chai or coffee
- A yogurt bowl with fruit
- As a side snack with your lunch wrap or salad
- Before or after a workout
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast on the go: 2 protein balls + Greek yogurt
- Post-workout snack: 2 protein balls + banana
- Afternoon pick-me-up: 1–2 balls + iced matcha
- Healthy dessert: 2 balls with warm almond milk
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Adding too much applesauce—it’ll get sticky and hard to roll
- Not chopping dried apples enough = chewy bites
- Using a dry protein powder with no binder (then it crumbles)
- Not mixing enough—take time to blend it all together well
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of dried?
A: I wouldn’t—they release too much moisture. Stick to dried.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.
Q: What if I don’t have protein powder?
A: You can skip it, just add 2 extra tbsp oats and a little more nut butter.
Q: Can I double the batch?
A: 100% yes. Just use a big bowl and you’re good.
🧊 Leftovers + Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
- Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months
- Great for lunchboxes or work snack stash
🥄 Wrap-Up
If you love the cozy taste of apple pie and need a quick, healthy snack—these Apple Pie Protein Balls are for you. Make them once and I promise, you’ll make them again. When you try them, drop a comment below! I’d love to hear how they turned out or answer any questions you have. 🍏🤍
