Spiced Apple Oat Balls

In recent years, the demand for healthy snacks has surged, reflecting a growing awareness of nutrition and wellness. With busy lifestyles, many people are seeking convenient yet nutritious options to satisfy their cravings without compromising their health goals. Among the myriad of healthy snack recipes, oat-based treats have gained immense popularity. They offer a versatile platform for flavor, nutrition, and creativity. One delightful example of this trend is Spiced Apple Oat Balls, a snack that perfectly balances health and indulgence.

Discover the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition with Spiced Apple Oat Balls! These delightful snacks are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, applesauce, and almond butter. Ideal for busy lifestyles, they're great for on-the-go snacking, simple breakfasts, or lunchboxes. With a satisfying chew and the warmth of spices, these oat balls are sure to become a family favorite, making healthy eating both fun and delicious!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 large sweet apple, finely grated (suggestions: 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 fine sea salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (choose walnuts or pecans)

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips for an indulgent touch

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and fine sea salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are evenly combined.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, take the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup) and whisk them together until they form a smooth mixture.

Prepare the Apple: Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the sweet apple until finely shredded. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Add the grated apple to the bowl containing the wet ingredients.

Combine All Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until they are just mixed. Next, fold in the chopped nuts, raisins (or dried cranberries), and optional dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Shape the Balls: With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring to leave space between each one to allow for even baking.

Bake the Oat Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the oat balls turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.

Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the oat balls cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Storage Tips: Enjoy these delectable 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 in the microwave for a cozy snack.

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

- Presentation Tips: Consider stacking the oat balls in a stylish jar or on a decorative plate and dusting them lightly with cinnamon for an appealing presentation.