Spiced Apple Oat Balls

In recent years, the trend of healthy snacking has gained immense popularity, with more individuals seeking nutritious options that satisfy their cravings without compromising on taste. Among the myriad of choices, oat-based recipes have emerged as a favorite due to their versatility and wholesome nature. One delightful and health-conscious option is the Spiced Apple Oat Balls—a snack that marries the rich flavors of apples and warm spices with the hearty goodness of oats. These little bites not only provide a burst of flavor but also pack a nutritional punch, making them an excellent choice for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a midday treat.

Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack? Try making Spiced Apple Oat Balls! These bite-sized treats combine the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of apples and delightful warming spices. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, they're perfect for breakfast, post-workout, or a midday boost. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits, these oat balls will satisfy your cravings without compromising on health. Dive into homemade snacking today!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large apple, finely grated (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala)

1/2 cup almond butter (or substitute with peanut butter)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips for added sweetness

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help with easy cleanup after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup) until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Grate the Apple: Use a box grater or a food processor to finely grate the apple. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Add the grated apple to the bowl containing the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped nuts, raisins (or dried cranberries), and, if desired, the dark chocolate chips.

Form the Balls: With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, around 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between each.

Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the oat balls are golden brown and feel firm to the touch.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the oat balls cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store: Enjoy your Spiced Apple Oat Balls right away, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12-15 oat balls

Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful oat balls on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added appeal. You can also pair them with a dollop of yogurt or a side of fresh apple slices for a nutritious snack!