These salty and sweet bites are an easy, healthy, and gluten-free fall snack.
I almost went into full comfort food mode today. I was feeling that all-too-familiar kind of stretchy-pants, where-did-the-afternoon-go energy. But then I paused, stared at the apples sitting in the fruit bowl, and remembered I had a bag of dried apples sitting abandoned in the pantry.
I also just so happened to have a bag of kettle corn sitting in the pantry next to the dried apples. So, here we are, easing into the cozy season with these peanut apple bites—complete with kettle corn. They’re crunchy, salty, a little bit sweet, and contain just enough peanut butter to feel indulgent.
They’re also chewy from the dates, a little tart from the dried apples, and they have this sneaky bite from the kettle corn that makes them super addictive. These are snacky, yes, but they’re also exactly what you want when you’re too impatient for a real dessert and too proud to just eat peanut butter straight off a spoon. Not that that ever stopped me.
Are Peanut Apple Bites With Kettle Corn Healthy?
Consider these snacks with benefits. They’re made with wholesome ingredients like dates, dried apples, and peanut butter, which offer a solid dose of nutrients like fiber, potassium, and plant-based protein. The powdered peanut butter also helps cut back on fat and calories while still keeping that nutty flavor. That said, dates are high in natural sugars, so it’s a good idea to enjoy these as a treat in moderation.
These bites are also dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free—just double-check your popcorn to be sure!
Kettle Corn Is The Star Of The Snack Bite
You might think that putting popcorn in a snack bite would make it all soggy or weird, but no worries. The popcorn adds a pleasant airiness to each little bite that works as a counter-balance to the sticky dates and soft, chewy apples. Without it, biting into the snack bite base would be a bit too dense—the kind of dense that sticks to your teeth. Instead, these bites are crispy, light, and hold up surprisingly well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover peanut butter apple bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for around 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Want something to sip on while you enjoy your peanut apple bites? Try this comforting Chai Latte to embrace true cozy season vibes. Alternatively, you could pair the flavors in these bites with a satisfying Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie or an Apple Smoothie. If you’re looking for snack bites that are better served for kicking off your morning breakfast routine, try these Cranberry-Orange Energy Bites or these Mixed Fruit And Nut Energy Bites.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dates firmly packed, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried apples firmly packed, roughly chopped
- 2 cups kettle corn popcorn
- 6 tablespoons powdered peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil melted
- 4 teaspoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Add the dates and dried apples into a large food processor. Blend until broken down and the ingredients come together in a ball.
- Add in the kettle corn and powdered peanut butter. Blend until the kettle corn is broken down and the mixture is crumbly and combined. Add in 2 tablespoons of the melted coconut oil, reserving the rest for later, and process until combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and add in the water. Use your hands to make the dough come together in a ball.
- Divide the ball by lightly heaping 2 tablespoons between 12 muffin pan cavities, pressing out firmly and flat.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of oil until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Stir together and divide between each bite, spreading out with a small spoon. Note: You won't be able to completely cover each bite; you'll still see bits of the date mixture through the peanut butter layer. Top each bite with a dried apple ring.
- Place into the freezer until firm, about 1 hour. You don't need to freeze them, but it makes getting them out of the pan much easier.
- To unmold, use a small, sharp knife and cut around the outside of each bite, then insert the small butter knife under each bite to pop them out of the pan.
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