When I was growing up, fall meant apples on the counter and something sweet simmering on the stovetop. My mom would dice fresh apples while I stirred oats and honey in a big mixing bowl, the smell of cinnamon filling our kitchen. This takes me right back to those crisp afternoons when we wanted caramel apples but didn’t want the sticky mess. My mom always said you can turn any classic into something simpler. Trust me on this, these Caramel Apple No Bake Bites capture all that cozy flavor without any fuss.
Caramel Apple No Bake Bites
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheets
- Measuring tools
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce thick style
- ½ cup very finely diced apple peeled
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Finely dice peeled apple into very small pieces (about ¼-inch or smaller). Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm almond butter, honey, and caramel sauce until smooth and fully combined (about 2–3 minutes). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and flaxseed.
- Add diced apples to the oat mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
- Pour the warm caramel mixture over everything and stir thoroughly until sticky and well combined.
- If mixture feels too soft due to apple moisture, add 1–2 tablespoons additional oats.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls, pressing firmly to compact.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until firm and set.
Notes
- Too wet? Add oats 1 tablespoon at a time and chill mixture before rolling.
- Falling apart? Press firmly when shaping and ensure apples are patted dry.
- Apples browning? Mix quickly and chill promptly; a tiny squeeze of lemon can help if desired.
Nutrition
CONCLUSION
Between you and me, these Caramel Apple No Bake Bites taste like fall afternoons in my mom’s kitchen without the sticky caramel coated fingers. I still love stirring that warm caramel mixture and folding in those tiny apple pieces, watching everything come together in one simple bowl. My mom always believed comfort food didn’t have to be complicated, and she was right. Just mix, roll, and let them set. Once you try these chewy little bites, you’ll keep them in your fridge all season long.