Easy No-Bake Applesauce Energy Balls
Servings 20 balls
Ingredients
Energy Balls
- 2 cups rolled oats not quick oats
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins (pick 1-2)
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Make the Energy Balls
- Combine rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to mix.
- Add applesauce, peanut butter, and honey. Stir until the mixture is thick, sticky, and fully combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This firms the mixture and makes it much easier to roll.
- Lightly wet your hands. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used, about 20 balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ready to eat immediately.
Notes
- Chill time: 30 minutes of chilling is essential. The oats absorb moisture and the mixture becomes much easier to roll.
- Too wet? Add rolled oats 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together.
- Too dry? Add applesauce 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture is sticky enough to roll.
- Nut-free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free, school-safe version.
- Freezer storage: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.