Ingredients:

  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred), peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 300g / 10.5 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30ml / 1 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml / 0.5 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (or brown sugar) (15g / 0.5 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (5g / 0.18 oz)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g / 0.035 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch) (8g / 0.28 oz)
  • 1 cup almond flour (112g / 4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey, casein, or vegan blend) (45g / 1.6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats (20g / 0.7 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (30ml / 1 fl oz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (30g / 1 oz)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (50g / 1.8 oz)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (1g / 0.035 oz)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, combine diced apples, water, lemon juice, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened but not mushy (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Stir in cornstarch. Cook for 1 minute, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, rolled oats, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, applesauce, and beaten egg.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough. Flatten each portion slightly into a disc.
  8. Spoon a small amount of apple filling onto the center of each disc.
  9. Gently pinch the edges of the dough to partially enclose the filling, leaving the center slightly exposed (think mini apple tarts).
  10. Brush the tops of the bites with melted coconut oil (optional) and sprinkle with cinnamon (optional).
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  12. Let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.