Cinnamon Apple Power Balls
Cinnamon Apple Power Balls

 

I often make power balls (or protein bites) for a quick bite before or after a workout, snack, or for a quick breakfast paired with smoothie or coffee. The girls love them for snacks before or after their activities or a healthy treat. While we were traveling and I wasn’t able to make any I kept seeing pictures on Instagram and Lindsay of Cotter Crunch posted Cinnamon Bun Healthy Bites that had me drooling! I made a batch, using what I had on hand when we got back home and they were good, the girls ate them up so quick. My youngest said they were like cinnamon sugar donut holes. When they were eating them I said you know what would be good with these and instantly in unison they both said APPLES! Exactly what I was thinking so we whipped up these Cinnamon Apple Power Balls! If you want to enjoy them as a treat the girls think they pair great with a glass of warm fresh apple cider.

With the family having two races tomorrow, yes even the girls, morning these will be perfect for a quick bite! First is a 14K, a 1.4 mile kids run for the girl, and the second is a 5K for charity. The girls had a lot of fun doing both last year as we double booked it (I scheduled one while my husband schedule the other thinking they were on different days) and when we went to pick one this year they wanted to do both again. Even if they walk the second they will have fun and we will be out enjoying the morning.

 

Cinnamon Apple Power Balls

Makes 12-24 (made 20)

1 1/3 c oats, gluten-free

1/2c pumpkin seeds, also called Pepitas

1/2c vanilla protein (used Vega Viva Vanilla Protein Smoothie)

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp apple pie spice, optional

2 tsp coconut palm sugar, plus more for rolling

1/3c peanut butter or nut/seed butter (used Peanut Butter & Co Smooth Operator, also like Mighty Maple and Cinnamon Raisin in these)

1/3c maple syrup (or honey or agave will also work)

1/4-1/3c chopped dried apples

additional coconut palm sugar, cinnamon, and protein powder for rolling, optional (I use about a 1:3 ratio of cinnamon to coconut palm sugar)

 

In a food processor pulse oats and pumpkin seeds to a course to fine crumble depending on preference, I tend to go more towards a fine crumble but not flour texture. Add in protein powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, coconut palm sugar and pulse just to combine. Add in dried apples and pulse a few times until no large chunks remain, there will still be some chunks if you don’t want these you can process longer. In a medium bowl mix together peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. Add in the dry mixture from the food processor into the wet peanut butter mixture. Using a spatula or clean hands mix well, and form into balls. If desired make a mixture of coconut palm sugar, cinnamon, and protein powder to roll the balls in. I sprinkle my pre-made cinnamon coconut palm sugar onto a plate and add a tablespoon or two of vanilla protein powder to roll the balls in. Store balls in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer (for longer storage) until ready to enjoy.

 

 

Cinnamon Apple Power Balls
Cinnamon Apple Power Balls

 

 

As a Vega Recipe Ambassador I receive some Vega products, which I used as an option in this recipe. I use Vega not because it is given to me , I do purchase many on my own as well, but because it has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging and some recipes are made with Vega products I purchase. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family. I do not make any money off any Vega sales or posts.