Applesauce Balls
Sweet and chewy applesauce balls infused with cocoa, nuts, and vanilla, perfect for a quick snack or healthy treat for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer applesauce gently for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar, butter, cocoa, and salt to the applesauce.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Immediately add oats, chopped nuts, vanilla, and almond flavoring.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper.
- Allow to cool, then roll into balls and coat in pecan meal.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using unsweetened applesauce and reducing the sugar slightly. If you're looking for a nut-free option, substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. If you want a gluten-free version, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. These balls can also be dipped in melted chocolate for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious applesauce balls make a perfect snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with Home Made Ice Cream for a delightful treat. You can also serve them alongside coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them on a platter with other homemade goodies like Raisin Bread Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store the applesauce balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which can extend their freshness for about two weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can briefly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Balls contains roughly 1408 calories, with 35g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and potassium (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1094mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
While fresh apples can be used, they require cooking down to create a similar consistency to applesauce. Peel, core, and cook them until soft, then mash or blend until smooth. Using applesauce is more convenient and ensures the right moisture level for the balls.
How can I make these applesauce balls vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly, as some sugar is processed with animal products. The rest of the ingredients are already suitable for a vegan diet.
What can I use instead of pecan meal for coating?
If you don't have pecan meal, you can use any finely ground nuts, such as almond or walnut meal. For a nut-free option, consider using crushed graham crackers or oats blended into a powder. This will still provide a nice texture and flavor without the nuts.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).