Apple Pie Energy Bites with Cranberries

Healthy apple pie energy bites packed with dried apples, cranberries, cashew nuts, and warm spices! These no-bake energy balls are vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly and will be one of your favourite fall snack recipes. The grain-free vegan apple pie bites are made without added sugar and will be ready in 10 minutes!

Vegan Gluten-Free No-Bake Apple Pie Energy Bites Recipe with Cranberries

Healthy apple pie energy bites with cranberries are not only lovely to look at, they also taste incredible. I love energy balls as a healthy alternative to sugar- and carb-loaded products you buy in supermarkets and vending machines.

These apple pie bliss balls have everything you could want in a gluten-free paleo snack. The flavour of the apples and cranberries pairs nicely with the warm aroma of cinnamon and creamy cashew nuts. And if you ever looked for an energy ball recipe without dates, this is it!

This apple cinnamon bites recipe is great as a healthy addition to your lunch box and a tasty pick-me-up when that afternoon slump kicks in, but it would also be a great healthy food gift for vegans, people who follow the paleo diet, and anyone who loves healthy refined sugar-free sweets.

And while you may associate vegan apple pie energy bites with autumn, these no-bake energy balls are a healthy gluten-free snack recipe that can be enjoyed all year long!

Vegan gluten-free energy balls recipe with dried fruits and cashew nuts

This vegan no-bake energy balls recipe is essentially apple pie bliss in ball form. With dried apples, cranberries, and warming spices, the flavours are spot on. I also like the cashews as they add a creamy kick to the paleo apple pie energy bites.

If you like a bit more crunch, feel free to add chopped nuts after blending the vegan energy ball ingredients. Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts or pecans are all good options.

What are paleo energy bites?

Paleo energy balls are made with a mix of nuts and fruits, which must be paleo-approved foods. To make energy balls paleo, we can’t use rolled oats or oatmeal because oats are a grain and not allowed on a paleo diet. Instead, healthy nuts are added to give these grain-free energy bites without oats texture.

For these cinnamon apple pie energy balls, I used ingredients that are associated with autumn. Apples, cranberries, and a generous helping of my homemade apple pie spice. Of course, you can use a pre-made apple pie spice mix or pumpkin pie spice. For apple cinnamon energy balls, simply prepare the healthy apple recipe just with cinnamon.

How to make apple pie energy bites

This autumn vegan no-bake energy balls recipe is perfect for providing sustainable energy throughout the day. Apple balls sweets are a tasty snack, and a healthy addition to breakfast, lunch or after-dinner dessert.  Plus, apple pie energy bites are wonderful children’s energy balls and make a wonderful food gift for health nuts!

Okay, let’s get to the easy to follow directions for these apple pie energy balls:

• Pulse the cashew nuts, almonds and cranberries in a food processor until well combined. Set 3 tablespoons of the mixture aside for decorating.
• Add the remaining ingredients and blend until a sticky dough forms.
• Roll tablespoons full mixture into balls and roll them in the nut cranberry powder from step 1. As the mixture is sticky, wet your hands with a little water to roll the energy balls if necessary.
• Refrigerate the energy balls for 30 minutes before enjoying.

You are going to love the flavours in these vegan apple pie bites!

Are apple pie energy balls healthy?

Yes, of course, these apple pie energy bites are healthy! You will get a variety of nutrients and antioxidants from this energy balls recipe. Here’s an overview of what each ingredient offers:

• cashew nuts – Cashews are packed with nutritious vitamins E, B6 and K, minerals (calcium, potassium and magnesium), and antioxidants.
• dried apples – Apples are an incredibly healthy food and contain a lot of soluble fibre and a wide range of vitamins, such as A, E, B1, B2, and B6, and minerals, polyphenols and flavonoids.
• dried cranberries – Cranberries are a rich source of different vitamins, especially vitamins C, E and K1, and several minerals, such as manganese and copper.
• coconut oil – Coconut oil is said to be a superfood and has a unique combination of fatty acids that are positive for your health.
• apple pie spice – The spices in apple pie spice are full of antioxidants, and some studies suggest that cinnamon lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Are dried fruits healthy?

Although the energy balls are free of refined sugar, dried fruits still contain a good amount of sugar. It’s perfectly fine to eat dried fruits on a paleo diet but do it in moderation. While you might be tempted to eat the whole batch of apple pie energy balls in one sitting, only eat 1 to 2 energy balls at a time and share this healthy treat with others!

But dried fruits are still very healthy. To quote an article from Healthline discussing the question if dried fruits are good or bad: “Dried Fruit is loaded with micronutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Dried fruit is highly nutritious. One piece of dried fruit contains about the same amount of nutrients as the fresh fruit, but condensed in a much smaller package.”

The sweetness of the dried fruit provides plenty of sweetness, so there is no need to additional sweeteners like maple or agave syrup.

Are dried cranberries paleo?

Yes, dried cranberries are paleo, but many dried cranberries are loaded with refined sugar and oils – not at all what we want in a paleo energy balls recipe. So, be sure to buy these paleo cranberries, which are naturally sweetened with apple juice. You could also use unsweetened dried cranberries, but they can be hard to find and taste very sour.

How can I customise this paleo energy balls recipe?

Don’t feel like you must stick to this vegan apple pie bites recipe exactly. Try some of these ideas:

• dried fruits – Instead of apples, vegan fall energy bites can also be made with dried pears, figs, or apricots.
• raisins – If you prefer raisins over dried cranberries, go for it!
• nuts and nut butters – A variety of nuts and nut butters can be used in this recipe, like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. They each add their own flavours to the autumn bliss balls.
• spices – As I mentioned, I used apple pie spice to season the energy balls. Pumpkin pie spice works just as well, and a single spice like cinnamon or a dash of cardamom are good options, too.

How do you store apple pie bites?

Apple energy balls can be kept at the counter for a day. They will last longer in the refrigerator. Put the vegan paleo energy bites in an airtight food container and stored them refrigerated for up to 5 days.

And the best way to store energy balls? Freeze the apple pie bites! The last for 2 months and you can get an apple pie energy bites whenever you’re ready to eat one. They firm up a bit in the freezer but remain chewy.

Tools to make apple pie energy balls

Tab or click the links below to buy the products used for this healthy snack recipe:

• food processor – A food processor does all the heavy lifting in my vegan no-bake energy balls recipe.
• airtight food container – Airtight food containers are perfect for storing and freezing energy balls. They are also excellent for meal prep and storing other foods.

More delicious apple recipes

With autumn in full swing, why not try more delicious and healthy apple recipes? I just can’t get enough of healthy apple desserts, so here are a few more recipes with apples you can try:

• DIY apple pie spice
• homemade apple sauce
• crunchy apple crumble
• applesauce cake
• tasty apple hand pies
• easy apple cider

And if you want more gluten-free energy bite recipes, check out my easy vegan energy bites with coconut flour and these paleo pumpkin energy balls!

Over to you!

Thanks so much for visiting Country Hill Cottage – we’re so happy you’re here! Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this post, please share it using the social media buttons you see next to the post.

For more crafts, beauty DIYs and recipe, follow us on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Cyna xo