You can make no-bake apple balls with 4 common ingredients. The right consistency is important
When you're craving something sweet, you don't have to turn on the oven every time. You can make these no-bake apple balls with just a few common ingredients, and most of the work can be done in just a few minutes. You'll see that your kids will enjoy this new sweet treat, and you'll have something for them to snack on.
How to choose applesauce
If you want to have a really good dessert, prepared according to our recipe, choose the apple puree carefully. Unsweetened is best, or a children's apple snack, to which no sugar is added. Even without it, the puree is sweet enough to make the balls taste great. The apples also provide moisture, which is necessary for the other ingredients to combine.
Since the composition of the puree can vary from product to product, you need to play around with the amount of oatmeal when preparing it. If you have a thinner snack, you will logically need to add more flakes. In any case, don't do it all at once, but gradually, and always wait a while for them to absorb the liquid.
The third ingredient is nut butter. When choosing it, be guided primarily by your own taste. You can use peanut, almond or cashew. Just be careful not to separate the oil from the solid part in the glass. In this case, you need to mix everything thoroughly.
How to know the right consistency
The most important thing in the whole preparation is to get the consistency right. The finished mixture should be soft, but hold together when squeezed in the palm of your hand. If it sticks to your hands and the balls don't hold their shape, don't be afraid to add a little fine oatmeal.
However, if you overdo it, you will end up with balls that will fall apart and be dry when you shape them. In that case, applesauce or nut butter will save the day.
A good tip is to let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes before shaping it. During this time, the flakes will absorb some of the moisture and only then will you see if the mixture needs to be thickened further.
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Unbaked apple balls
These balls are made with just 4 ingredients. They are simple, quick to make, naturally gluten-free and vegan, and contain no added sugar or oil. Try them as a healthy snack, not just for kids.
- To prepare, you will need: 6 tablespoons of applesauce without added sugar
- 1/4 cup of nut butter (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 cup of fine oatmeal (more if needed) and cinnamon (or strudel spice) to taste
How about this?
Line a small baking sheet with baking paper.
Place the applesauce, nut butter, and honey in a large bowl. Mix until smooth, ideally with a silicone spatula, and add cinnamon or strudel spice to taste.
Sprinkle in the fine rolled oats and stir until the mixture is evenly combined and thickened. The dough should be thick enough to form into balls. If it is too sticky or soft, gradually add more rolled oats, a tablespoon at a time, until it is thick enough.
Taste the batter and add honey or apple butter as needed.
Gradually scoop out pieces of the dough with a spoon and shape them into balls in your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the finished balls in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to firm up a bit. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
