Little Apple Pie Protein Desserts

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add all your crust ingredients (walnuts, dates, oats, 1/8 cup apple pie protein powder, pinch of salt) to a food processor and pulse until combined and sticky. (If your dates are not soft, soak them in hot water for a minute or two first). Roll the mixture into 12 balls and shape them into cups in a small silicone mold. Bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye for browning. While the crust bakes, chop your apple into small pieces and sauté in a pan with the maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon until desired softness is reached. In a separate bowl, mix your blended cottage cheese and 1/8 cup apple pie protein powder for the filling. Let all hot ingredients cool completely before assembling. Once cooled, fill the crust cups with the cottage cheese mixture and top with the sautéed apples. These are best served fresh to keep their crunch, but can be refrigerated. To make dairy-free or vegan, omit the cottage cheese layer.