Apple Butter Protein Balls (Healthy 5-Ingredient Energy Bites)

It's fall and thanksgiving in a healthy bite form! Made using just 5 ingredients, these apple butter protein balls are simple to make and incorporates one of my favorite fall flavors. APPLES!

Today’s recipe is very close to my heart. I bought a jar of apple butter from an orchard once and fell in love with the sweet, mellow flavors of fall and undertones of spice that made me feel all warm and happy inside. The storebought ones never came close to that delicious orchard apple butter but I’ve been determined to make desserts that come close!

So what is apple butter?

Apple butter is basically apple sauce that’s been cooked long and slow to a point where the sugar’s caramelized into a dark brown color. Despite the name, there is no butter inside, nor is it even high in fats. That’s why it’s a perfect addition to these sweet protein balls with the white chocolate and homemade apple topping!

What I love about this recipe

• Easy to make (just 5 ingredients!)
• Vegan-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Full of fiber and nutritious!
• A perfect healthy treat

Ingredients used to make this

_{**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂}

• Apple Butter – or Apple Jam. This is the one I used

• Protein Powder - You can use any protein powder for this. I used a vanilla plant-based protein powder with an added "superfood" powder which I've found turns out darker than regular vanilla protein powders. Just something to have in mind when you compare my photos with yours!
• Coconut Flour - you can use any brand of coconut flour for this recipe.

• Melted white chocolate chips (for the deco) - I used regular white chocolate chips, but you can also use white candy melts or almond bark. I also like using this stevia sweetened brand if you want an lower-carb/lower sugar diet-friendly option

More Healthy Recipes Using Apples

How to Make Apple Butter Protein Balls

• Mix all ingredients (except the chocolate chips and apple pie filling) together in a bowl. Add more coconut flour if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of water or milk of choice if the dough is too thick
• Roll the dough into tablespoon sized balls, and refrigerate 15 minutes to help set
• Melt white chocolate chips by microwaving them in 15 second blasts. Drizzle onto the protein balls. Top with cooked apples (recipe here)

Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:

• Add natural flavoring / extracts. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn’t feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as caramel flavoring, hazelnut extract or almond extract.
• You can also use applesauce if you don't have apple butter.
• Try Dark Chocolate instead of White chocolate covering!
• Love coffee or mocha? Add either a teaspoon of coffee extract or espresso powder to the batter
• Add up to 1 tsp of Cinnamon powder, Cardamom or Chai Tea Powder.

How to Make this Healthier

• Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.

How to Store

• Store these protein balls covered in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

Final Tips

• Coconut flour and protein powders are all very different depending on brands, so if you find that the dough is too soft, add more coconut flour; if the dough is too thick, add a teaspoon or more of water, honey or liquid sweetener of choice.

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