Apple Oatmeal Snack Balls

Vegan. Gluten Free. Low Carb. Super Tasty.

This simple, healthy treat is sure to become a fall family favorite! These are super kid friendly and a great way to pack a healthy dessert in your kid's lunchboxes. My husband says these taste like doughnut holes - YES! I love it when a healthy food gives you the feeling that you are really indulging on something sinful, don't you? Enough said...now go make the most of apple season and try some of these delicious snacks as soon as possible...you will not be disappointed!

Apple Oatmeal Snack Balls (PRINT RECIPE)
Makes about 15 snack balls

Ingredients:
1 cup whole rolled oats or gluten free rolled oats (also known as Old Fashioned oats)
1/2 cup (packed) coarsely grated peeled apple (I love pink lady and honey crisps, gala or fuji)
1/3 cup creamy unsweetened almond butter**
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup raisins or craisins (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except raisins if using), and stir well to form a mass of 'dough'. 
3. Stir in raisins or craisins, if using.
4. Using moist hands (because the dough will be pretty wet and sticky) roll a heaping tablespoon size piece of dough into a ball and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Cool completely (although I love these warm out of the oven) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. 

**unsweetened sunflower butter works great as a nut free substitute. You can also use peanut butter here but may need to add another tablespoon of flaxseed since peanut butter is a little runnier in consistency than almond butter.

Please post back and let us know what you think after you try the recipe! Happy eating!
 ~Billie & Jen