Apple Walnut Snack Bites (No Added Sugar) – Simple, Satisfying, and Naturally Sweet

These Apple Walnut Snack Bites are the kind of treat you can make on a Sunday and snack on all week. They’re naturally sweet from apples and dates, chewy with a little crunch, and just the right size to take on the go. No added sugar, no baking, and no fuss—just a handful of real ingredients that taste great together.

If you want a wholesome, energy-boosting snack that feels like a treat, this is it.

Apple Walnut Snack Bites (No Added Sugar) - Simple, Satisfying, and Naturally Sweet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup walnuts (raw or lightly toasted)
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
• 1 cup chopped soft dates (Medjool preferred; pitted)
• 1 medium apple, peeled if you like, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened nut butter (almond or peanut)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, but nice)
• Pinch of fine sea salt (enhances flavor)
• 2–3 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds (for binding and nutrition)
• 2–3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for rolling)

Instructions

 

• Prep the dates. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well. This helps them blend smoothly and hold the bites together.
• Pulse the dry base. Add walnuts and oats to a food processor. Pulse until they form a fine, sandy texture—not a paste. You want a little texture left.
• Add the flavor builders. Add dates, chopped apple, nut butter, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and flaxseed or chia. Pulse in short bursts, scraping down the bowl as needed, until the mixture sticks together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of water; if it’s too wet, pulse in more oats.
• Chill briefly. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. This makes rolling easier and helps the bites set.
• Roll into bites. Scoop about 1 tablespoon per bite and roll into balls with your hands. If using coconut, roll some or all of the bites in coconut to coat.
• Set and store. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 30 minutes to firm up. Then move to an airtight container for storage.

What Makes This Special

These snack bites are sweet without any syrups or refined sugar. The flavor comes entirely from apples and dates, so you get natural sweetness with fiber to balance it out. They’re also quick to make in a food processor, and they hold together nicely without baking.

Plus, the combo of walnuts and oats adds a satisfying texture that keeps you full longer.

They’re kid-friendly, lunchbox-ready, and easy to customize. Whether you’re avoiding added sugar or just want something real and simple, these bites check every box.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup walnuts (raw or lightly toasted)
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
• 1 cup chopped soft dates (Medjool preferred; pitted)
• 1 medium apple, peeled if you like, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened nut butter (almond or peanut)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, but nice)
• Pinch of fine sea salt (enhances flavor)
• 2–3 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds (for binding and nutrition)
• 2–3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional, for rolling)

Instructions

1. Prep the dates. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well. This helps them blend smoothly and hold the bites together.
2. Pulse the dry base. Add walnuts and oats to a food processor.

   Pulse until they form a fine, sandy texture—not a paste. You want a little texture left.

3. Add the flavor builders. Add dates, chopped apple, nut butter, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and flaxseed or chia. Pulse in short bursts, scraping down the bowl as needed, until the mixture sticks together when pressed.

   If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of water; if it’s too wet, pulse in more oats.

4. Chill briefly. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. This makes rolling easier and helps the bites set.
5. Roll into bites. Scoop about 1 tablespoon per bite and roll into balls with your hands. If using coconut, roll some or all of the bites in coconut to coat.
6. Set and store. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.

   Then move to an airtight container for storage.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Keep a layer of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag.

  Thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before eating.

• On the go: Pack chilled bites. They’ll hold well for a few hours, but avoid leaving them in a hot car.

Why This is Good for You

• Natural sweetness: Apples and dates provide sweetness with fiber, which supports steady energy instead of a quick spike and crash.
• Healthy fats: Walnuts offer omega-3s that support brain and heart health.
• Whole grains: Oats add soluble fiber, which can help with digestion and fullness.
• Protein and fiber combo: Nut butter and seeds make these bites more satisfying and balanced.
• No added sugar: All flavor, zero refined sweeteners—great for anyone watching sugar intake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using dry dates without softening: If dates are tough, the mixture won’t bind. Soak briefly if needed.
• Overprocessing: If you blend too long, you’ll end up with a greasy paste.

  Pulse just until it sticks together.

• Too much fresh apple: Extra moisture can make the bites mushy. Stick to about 1 cup, finely chopped, and pat dry if your apple is very juicy.
• Skipping the chill time: Chilling helps the bites hold their shape. Don’t skip it.
• Wrong oats: Instant oats can get pasty.

  Old-fashioned rolled oats work best.

Recipe Variations

• Spiced Apple Pie Bites: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves, and roll in a light dusting of cinnamon.
• Carrot-Apple Blend: Replace half the apple with finely grated carrot for extra color and nutrients.
• Pecan Swap: Use pecans instead of walnuts for a warmer, buttery flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter. Flavor stays great, and it becomes school-safe.
• Protein Boost: Add 1–2 tablespoons of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and 1–2 teaspoons extra water if needed.
• Cocoa Twist: Mix in 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate-apple vibe.
• Crunch Factor: Stir in a handful of finely chopped dried apple (no sugar added) or unsweetened cacao nibs.

FAQ

Can I make these without a food processor?

Yes, but it takes more effort. Chop the dates very finely, grate the apple, and use quick, firm mashing with a fork or potato masher.

The texture will be a bit chunkier, but it works.

What type of apple works best?

Sweet, crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work well. Tart apples like Granny Smith are fine too, but the bites will be less sweet.

My mixture is too sticky. What should I do?

Add more oats a tablespoon at a time, or a bit more ground flaxseed.

Chilling also helps firm things up before rolling.

Can I bake these?

You don’t need to, and baking can dry them out. If you want a firmer texture, simply chill or freeze them briefly.

Are these suitable for kids?

Yes. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and easy to hold.

For very young kids, chop walnuts extra fine and avoid whole nuts to reduce choking risk.

How many bites does this make?

About 16–20 bites, depending on scoop size. One tablespoon portions are a good standard for snack-size bites.

Can I use dried apples instead of fresh?

Yes. If using unsweetened dried apples, chop them finely and add 1–2 teaspoons of water to help the mixture bind.

Is there a substitute for dates?

Soft dried figs or raisins can work, but dates bind best and add a caramel-like sweetness.

If substituting, you may need an extra teaspoon of nut butter for cohesion.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Walnut Snack Bites are a simple, wholesome answer to mid-afternoon hunger. They taste like a treat, but they’re built from real ingredients that keep you going. Make a batch, stash them in the fridge, and you’ll always have something satisfying within reach.

No added sugar, no hassle—just good food that fits your day.