I was trying to come up with a quick after-school treat for my kids last fall, and we had a bowl of apples sitting on the counter just begging to be used. I wanted something wholesome that felt like a special indulgence, but without turning on the oven.
After a little experimenting, we landed on these delightful Cinnamon Apple Snacks – Easy No-Bake Crunchy Bites. They were an instant hit, and now they’re a staple in our house.
What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s one of those easy snacks that comes together in minutes, and the combination of sweet, crisp apple and warm cinnamon is just magical. They’re perfect for a quick energy boost, and I often pack them as school snacks because they hold up so well. If you’re looking for more seasonal treats, you should definitely try our pumpkin s’mores cookies for another easy crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Category: Snack
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Makes about 12-15 bites
What You’ll Need
When I’m gathering my tools, I find that using a good quality box grater makes the prep so much faster. I’ve tried a food processor, but for small batches like this, the grater gives me more control over the texture. A sturdy mixing bowl and some parchment paper are really all you need beyond that.
You’ll want a mixing bowl for combining everything, a box grater for the apple, a set of measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for setting the bites, and a small scoop or tablespoon for portioning. Having everything ready before you start makes the process feel seamless.
INGREDIENTS
I remember one time I was out of maple syrup and used honey instead—it worked beautifully and gave a slightly different flavor profile. That’s the joy of homemade snacks; you can adapt based on what you have. The key is using a crisp, sweet apple variety to get that perfect crunch.
- 2 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), grated
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
PREPARATION
A common mistake is not squeezing enough liquid out of the grated apple, which can make the bites too soft. You want them to be moist but not wet. I usually gather the grated apple in a clean kitchen towel and give it a good twist over the sink. It makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture. If you’re in the mood for something savory after these sweet bites, you’ll love our crack chicken pizza recipe for a delicious dinner option.
- Start by grating your apples using the large holes of a box grater. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess juice. This step is crucial for getting the right consistency.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated apple, rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. If you’re using nuts, add them now. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the bites for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
- Once set, transfer to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for healthy snacks for kids.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 85 per bite
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g
Customization Ideas
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. For a fun twist, sometimes I roll the finished bites in shredded coconut or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. If you’re making them for toddler snacks, you can chop the nuts very finely or leave them out entirely. Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed is another great way to boost the nutrition without changing the flavor much.
Storage and Serving Tips
These bites are perfect for meal prep. I usually double the batch and keep a container in the fridge for quick snacks throughout the week. They also freeze beautifully—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Cinnamon Apple Snacks – Easy No-Bake Crunchy Bites Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Apple Snacks – Easy No-Bake Crunchy Bites Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of fiber from the oats and apples with healthy fats from the nut butter makes these satisfying and blood-sugar friendly. Unlike many store-bought snacks, you control the sweetness level, and the no-bake method preserves the fresh, crisp apple flavor. They’re one of those healthy sweet snacks that don’t taste “healthy”—just delicious. For another wholesome baking project, try our cranberry walnut rustic sourdough bread that pairs wonderfully with these apple bites.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for the almond butter, and simply omit the chopped nuts. The recipe is very flexible.
How long do these keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for about 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Are these suitable for young children?
Yes, they make excellent toddler snacks. Just ensure any add-ins are age-appropriate and consider cutting them into smaller pieces for very young children.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Apple Snacks – Easy No-Bake Crunchy Bites have become my go-to when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, needing an afternoon pick-me-up, or looking for fun snacks for kids, this recipe delivers. I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Give them a try this week—I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how something so simple can be so delightful.
