Caramel Apple Energy Balls are a quick, no-bake snack with a delicious apple flavor. These nut free energy balls are plant-based and gluten-free - perfect for a delicious burst of energy!

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Nothing screams fall like caramel apples. Caramel apples are a classic fall treat that remind me of crisp autumn air and pumpkin picking.

I always want September to feel like fall. Everyone starts drinking pumpkin spice lattes, but in most of the country it's still sweltering outside!

There's no way I'm going to bake a ton of treats when it's still hot out.

These Caramel Apple Energy Balls bring fall to life without the oven. They are no-bake and take approximately 10 minutes to make. AND they have all the fall flavor.

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What makes these energy balls caramel apple flavor?

Dates (especially medjool dates) have a caramel-like flavor. They are sticky and sweet and have that caramel richness. So, instead of using caramel, which is usually made from pure sugar, these energy balls use dates.

The apple flavor comes from dried apples, which have an intense apple taste because they're dried.

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Why I love these Apple Energy Balls

• Dietary needs — these bites are vegan, gluten free, and oil-free

• Nut Free Energy Balls — a lot of energy ball recipes use nut butter, but these apple bites are completely nut-free!

• Energy Balls with Dates — there's no sweetener in this recipe other than dates! I used a few medjool dates for that caramel flavor, and also a bit of date syrup to create the right consistency.

• Easy to make — all you need is a blender or food processor and you're good to go

• Takes only 10 minutes — making these energy balls is so quick and easy

• Caramel apple flavor — that deliciously sweet caramel flavor paired with an apple is divine. And these balls give you a burst of that classic fall flavor

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Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: You can use rolled or quick oats. Get certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

• Apple Chips: Using apple chips instead of raw apples helps eliminate some of the moisture. AND you get a delicious crunch from the chips instead of a gross mushy texture. I used these apple chips because they have no added sugar or oils.

• Medjool Dates: Dates have a super sweet flavor that works so well to mimic the taste of caramel. You can also use a different type of dates - barhi dates would work well.

• Date Syrup: We're using another form of dates to achieve the perfect texture. If we used dates alone, the bites wouldn't hold. Date syrup makes the bites just sticky enough to hold together. If you don't have date syrup, sub maple syrup.

• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that add a tad bit of crunch to the bites.

• Cinnamon

• Vanilla Extract

• Salt

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How to make Caramel Apple Energy Balls

Step 1. Add all the ingredients except the date syrup to a food processor. Blend, adding the date syrup until the mixture comes together.

Step 2. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the mixture and with wet hands, roll into tablespoon-sized balls.

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FAQ & Expert Tips

Achieve the right texture

Only use as much date syrup as you need for the mixture to stick together.

If the bites are a little loose, put them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm them up.

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Storing energy bites

These bites will keep for a few days on the counter. If stored in the fridge they'll last a week or two.

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Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for sweet, fall snacks that give us energy to do Your work throughout the day. Amen.

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Related Recipes

If you're looking for another delicious no-bake apple recipe check out my Raw Apple Pie Granola Bars.

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Tried this recipe?

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