Easy to prepare with only five ingredients, these delicious Apricot Balls are a great portable treat.
Are Apricot Balls Healthy?
You can find various recipes for Apricot Balls on the internet and they differ vastly in ingredients. In this version, only natural ingredients are included.
These balls contain
- Dried Apricots
- Cashew Nuts
- Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut
- Chia Seeds
- Lemon (rind and juice)
Although these apricot balls are healthier than many other recipes, they should still be considered an "occasional food".
There is no added refined sugar, honey or syrups etc but there is a high level of concentrated sugar in dried fruits and we have to be mindful of this. For this reason, I do not recommend these for under 2s.
Energy Balls that use dried fruit, like these Apricot Balls, are sweet and energy-dense. It is easy to eat large amounts at a time, which can result in excess sugar and calorie intake.
Making A Nut-Free Version
If you wish to make this recipe nut free then you can simply replace the cashew nuts with oats. I would reduce the amount to ¾ cup of oats. If the mixture is too dry then add a little more lemon juice and if you find it isn't holding together well then add 1tbsp of coconut oil.
Chia Seeds
If your child doesn't like the texture of chia seeds then you can miss them out. You can always blitz the mixture, remove a portion and add chia seeds at the end.
Get The Kids In The Kitchen...
These Apricot Balls are easy to prepare and that the kids can help at every step.
Like most energy ball recipes, this recipe is flexible and the ingredients don't have to be measured out precisely. So if you have an eagerly helpful kid or child that likes to taste at every stage, then this recipe is perfect!
As there are only five ingredients and they are quick to make, the recipe is also great for making with younger children with shorter attention spans.
Storing Apricot Balls
The best way of storing these balls is in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container and they will be good for three months. They can be enjoyed straight out of the freezer.
Alternatively, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Apricot Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 190g (1 cup) Dried Apricots
- 130g (1 cup) Cashews
- 75g (1 cup) Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut
- ½ Lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until the ingredients are broken down into a crumb.
- Take a tablespoon amount of the mixture and roll into a ball. At first, you may think the mixture will not form into a ball but when you squeeze it together it stays. If you feel it needs more moisture you can add a little more lemon juice or water.
- Continue to form tablespoon sized balls until the mixture is finished. I made 25 balls.
- Freeze or refrigerate.
Col Manickum says
A brilliant recipe
I soaked the chia seeds in the lemon juice for 10 min before blitzing, it softens em up
Amy says
Excellent idea, thank you 🙂
Emily says
Wanting to try this, but not a fan of coconut. Any suggestions on what I could use instead? Would ground flax seed work? Thanks!
Amy says
Hi Emily, without testing I can't say for sure. Worth a try or you could try oats or ground almonds...
Zehra says
Yum. Made with sun dried apricots from Turkey, they are more moist and completely free of additives. Addition of lemon is genius. Thank you.
Amy says
Thanks, Zehra 🙂
Ioana says
The chia seeds are better absorbed if they are soaked overnight, otherwise it's pointless. How can you do adapt this idea to this kind of recipes?
Naomi says
Hello I have a nut allergy but love the sound of these! What would you recommend to change the cashew nuts with? (I'm not allergic to hazelnuts of that's any help!)
Amy says
Hi Naomi, you could try hazelnuts in this they would be lovely with the apricot. Alternatively, you could replace the cashew nuts with oats. 🙂
Erin Barns says
Hi Amy, haven't tried this, but they sound delicious! Wanted to double check the lemon - do you throw half a lemon in the food processor, or do you juice it and grate the peel of first? Thanks!
Amy says
Hi Erin, thanks for picking that up. I meant the zest and juice of the lemon. I've changed it now! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Sarah says
I’ve been trying to get my kids to eat more nuts and energy balls are the easiest way. Kids liked them and I loved them!
Amy says
Great! Thanks Sarah 🙂