Apple Cinnamon Oat Bites
These taste like someone shrunk your favorite slice of apple pie and rolled it into a bite-sized mood stabilizer. Cozy, chewy, and just sweet enough, they’re the edible equivalent of a soft blanket and a good text back. Serve them dusted in cinnamon sugar for grown-up pie energy — or keep them plain and plop them next to a sharp cheddar for a cheese board power move.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apples
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: cinnamon sugar for rolling 2 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together oats, applesauce, nut butter, maple syrup, chopped dried apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes so the oats can hydrate slightly.
- Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls using damp hands or a cookie scoop.
- For grown-up sparkle, roll each ball in cinnamon sugar until lightly coated.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, or eat immediately if you’re emotionally unwell (relatable).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days — if they last that long.
Notes
Why it works: The applesauce keeps things tender and nostalgic. The dried apple adds chew and concentrated flavor. It’s basically a therapy session in snack form.
• Subs: Use any nut or seed butter, and swap the maple syrup for honey or agave if needed. Can sub chopped dates or raisins if dried apples are MIA.
• For toddlers: Skip the cinnamon sugar and add a tiny pinch of extra salt for contrast.
• Apéro angle: Serve these on a wooden board next to Manchego and prosciutto. Watch your guests assume you have your life together.
• Subs: Use any nut or seed butter, and swap the maple syrup for honey or agave if needed. Can sub chopped dates or raisins if dried apples are MIA.
• For toddlers: Skip the cinnamon sugar and add a tiny pinch of extra salt for contrast.
• Apéro angle: Serve these on a wooden board next to Manchego and prosciutto. Watch your guests assume you have your life together.