Run Don’t Walk to Make These Apple Pie Protein Bites 

Once the calendar hits October, it seems everywhere you turn there’s apple-this and apple-that. Apple cider, apple donuts, caramel apples – this list goes on and on. But if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet, these sugary apple-flavored sweets usually end up off limits. So what are you to do? Try these apple pie protein bites instead. These snackable treats are not only tasty but also packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day. Steal the recipe below, and enjoy them as a great post-workout snack or quick on-the-go treat. 

Ingredients:

For the protein bites:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or plain)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup dried apples, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the coating:

• 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for a pie crust-like coating)
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture (optional, combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar of choice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the dried apples and chopping the nuts if they're not already in small pieces.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, chopped dried apples, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything well.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more honey or nut butter to reach the desired consistency.‍
4. Form Bites: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. You can make them as large or as small as you like. If you want to add a pie crust-like coating, roll the bites in the crushed graham crackers, pressing gently to adhere.‍
5. Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: While this step is optional and may be skipped if you want to keep the sugar content lower, if desired, lightly dust the protein bites with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra touch of apple pie flavor.‍
6. Chill: Place the protein bites on a tray or plate and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.‍
7. Store: Once the protein bites have chilled, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.‍
8. Enjoy: Grab a protein bite whenever you need a quick and nutritious snack. These apple pie protein bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a protein boost.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of protein powders and nut butters to create variations of these tasty protein bites. Enjoy!