We love a snack that feels like a treat but packed with nutrition, and that's what these apple cinnamon energy bites are! They’re chewy and lightly sweetened with fresh apple and a touch of honey (totally optional to add). Packed with fiber from the flaxseeds and oats, helping keeping those tummies full!
These bites come together in minutes with simple ingredients like oats, almond butter, flaxseed, and cinnamon. They’re full of fiber, healthy fats, protein, and gentle sweetness — making them perfect for toddler snack plates or busy mom fuel on the go. The ultimate fall snack the whole fam will love!
Why You and Your Toddler Will Love These Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for little hands
- lightly naturally with apple and honey (can omit for no added sugar)
- packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats for steady energy
- no bake and ready in minutes!
- freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
- taste like apple pie meets oatmeal cookie in bite form
- one bowl recipe that even toddlers can help make!
These trail mix energy bites are also so yum and filling for an afternoon snack!
Jump to:
- Why You and Your Toddler Will Love These Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- Helpful Hint
- Substitutions
- Variations
- How To Serve Energy Bites To Toddlers
- Equipment
- Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites (no bake, toddler friendly)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's everything you'll need to make these apple cinnamon energy bites:
- oats: the wholesome base that adds texture and fiber
- ground flaxseed: adds plant-based omega-3s, fiber, and helps bind everything together
- rice krispies or Seven Sundays little crispies (or sub with more oats): adds light crunch and fun texture for toddlers
- cinnamon: brings warmth and that cozy apple pie flavor
- almond butter or sunflower seed butter (for nut-free): adds creaminess and healthy fats to keep tummies full
- honey: gentle natural sweetness (skip for under 2 years)
- apple: adds natural moisture, sweetness, and texture
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
- Step 1: Combine oats, flaxseed, rice cereal, almond butter, honey, shredded apple, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Step 2: Stir until mixed well.
- Step 3: Adjust texture with extra oats or almond butter as needed. Roll into bite-size balls and feel free to roll in hemp hearts or rice cereal for an outer crunch!
- Step 4: Chill for 30-60 minutes before serving. Or serve right then, they'll just be more soft!
Helpful Hint
These energy bites firm up as they chill, so don’t stress if the mixture feels soft while rolling! Let them rest in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, and they’ll set into perfect little snack balls.
Substitutions
These apple cinnamon energy bites are naturally gluten-free (if using gluten-free oats), dairy-free, and egg-free!
- almond butter: swap for peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free and school safe
- honey: use maple syrup or date syrup or omit for no added sugar
- apple: try pear, grated carrot, or even zucchini for a fun twist and added moisture
- ground flaxseed: you can use chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra omega-3s and texture
- rice cereal: replace with extra oats for a softer bite, or swap in crushed puffed quinoa for a little crunch
- nut-free: use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter
Variations
You can totally add more flavor to these apple cinnamon energy bites by adding more mix-ins!
- apple pie bites: add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
- chocolate chip version: fold in mini dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a treat twist
- extra crunchy: add crushed freeze-dried apples or pumpkin seeds
See these trail mix energy bites for another great protein + fiber-packed snack option!
How To Serve Energy Bites To Toddlers
- pair with fruit and yogurt for a balanced snack plate
- pack a few in a lunchbox or snack container for on-the-go
- offer alongside milk or a smoothie for quick breakfast fuel
- serve with cheese cubes or hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- for older toddlers, try dipping in yogurt or nut butter for fun!
Equipment
You just need a few basic items to make these apple cinnamon energy bites. Grab a medium mixing bowl for combining everything, a spatula or wooden spoon to stir, and a small cookie scoop or your hands for rolling the bites. You'll need a grater to shred or grate your apple.
Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
These apple cinnamon energy bites are a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly snack that will actually keep your toddler full. You get fiber from oats and flax, healthy fats from nut butter, and gentle sweetness from fruit. I love adding rice cereal for a bit of crunch, it keeps the texture fun and light for toddlers while still packing in nutrition!
FAQ
Yes! Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or Wow Butter for school-safe bites.
Yes totally! You can also use maple syrup instead, or add extra apple for natural sweetness.
Yes! Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these apple cinnamon energy bites:
Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites (no bake, toddler friendly)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup ground flaxseed
- ⅓ cup rice cereal or extra oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoon honey can omit for no added sugar
- ½ medium apple shredded or finely diced
Instructions
- Combine oats, flaxseed, rice cereal, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Stir in almond butter and honey until sticky and well mixed.
- Fold in shredded apple. Adjust texture with extra oats or almond butter as needed.
- Roll into bite-size balls and chill for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Joanie says
Easy to do and so good ! 🤗
toddlerdietitiantiff says
yayy! So glad you loved them!
Joanie says
Easy to do and so good !
toddlerdietitiantiff says
So glad you enjoyed them!! We love how soft they are too!
toddlerdietitiantiff says
aren't they so easy?! Glad you enjoyed them!