by These easy Apricot Balls are a freezer-friendly snack made with simple ingredients and loved by kids and adults alike. Need a nut-free option for lunchboxes? We've got you covered with a simple oats substitution.
Whether you're looking for nut-free bliss balls or nutty delights, our apricot balls offer both options in a single recipe. Can't decide which version to try? I suggest you try both!
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Reasons to Love this Recipe...
- Freezer-Friendly: These bliss balls are perfect for making ahead and storing in the freezer, providing a convenient snack option whenever sweet cravings strike.
- Customisable: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences and taste preferences, these bliss balls can be personalised with different ingredients or flavour variations.
- Lunchbox-Friendly Option: With a nut-free alternative using oats, these bliss balls are ideal for packing in lunchboxes, offering a delicious and wholesome snack option for kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Easy: With simple instructions and minimal prep time, these apricot bliss balls are a breeze to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy days or when you need a healthy snack on the go.
Ingredient Information (and Alternative Suggestions)
The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This section gives information on each ingredient and suggests alternatives if required.
- Dried Apricots - These provide a natural sweetness and fruity base, essential for the flavour and texture of the bliss balls. NOTE: Naturally dried apricots are actually brown, the vibrant orange ones contain sulphur dioxide for preservation. The colour of the final bliss balls will vary depending on the apricots used, but the flavour and texture remain consistent regardless of colour.
- Cashew Nuts - Adding a creamy texture, nutty flavour, healthy fats and protein to the bliss balls.
Alternative: Rolled oats can serve as a nut-free alternative, offering a similar texture and substance. If using oats I recommend also adding a little coconut oil to add moisture, help with binding and improve mouth feel. - Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut (Extra Shredded Coconut)- Offering a tropical touch and texture, desiccated coconut enhances the overall flavour and mouthfeel of the bliss balls.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add nutritional value, including omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.
Can be skipped. - Lemon (rind and juice) Providing a zesty brightness, both the rind and juice of lemon add a refreshing citrus flavour, balancing the sweetness of the apricots.
Alternative: Orange zest and juice can provide a similar citrusy punch if preferred. - Vanilla Extract - optional
Step by Step Instructions (with Images)
This section features step-by-step photos for visual reference. The complete recipe can be found by scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Soak Chia Seeds: While soaking chia seeds is not strictly necessary, it can be a helpful step to improve the overall texture and flavour of your bliss balls and may reduce the risk of digestive discomfort.
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until the ingredients are broken down into a crumb.
- Roll into Balls: Take a tablespoon amount of the apricot mixture and roll into small balls. At first, you may think the mixture will not form into a ball but when you squeeze it together it should stay and form into a ball. If it feels too dry, add a little moisture you can add a little more lemon juice or water. If to moist add a little more coconut, nuts or oats.
- Form Remaining Balls: Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up, forming tablespoon-sized balls. You should get approximately 25 balls from the mixture. Optional - roll in some extra desiccated coconut
Top Tips
- Soak the Dried Apricots: If your dried apricots are a little too dry they won't blend as well. Try soaking them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes which will help soften them, making them easier to blend and resulting in a smoother texture for your bliss balls.
- Refrigerate Before Rolling: If you are finding it difficult to form balls and have time, refrigerate the apricot mixture for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to roll into balls and prevent them from falling apart.
Storage Instructions
The best way of storing these energy bites is in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container and they will be good for two months. They can be enjoyed straight out of the freezer.
Alternatively, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to five days.
Recipe FAQs
I wouldn't recommend these apricot balls for babies due to their high dried fruit content and concentrated sugars.
Instead, for babies, I would suggest offering a half or slices of fresh ripe apricots as a safer alternative. You can even consider rolling the slices in finely ground seeds or nuts for added texture and nutrition. (Nuts are a potential allergen so introduce safely first.)
These apricot balls can be considered healthier in comparison to other recipes, that use sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate etc.
However, 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, maple syrup etc but there is a high level of concentrated natural sugars in dried fruits and we have to be mindful of this.
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.
Although a food processor is the preferred appliance for making these balls, a high-speed blender can serve as a suitable alternative. Nonetheless, be mindful that the texture and consistency of the mixture may differ slightly depending on the tool used.
Energy Balls to Try Next...
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Apricot Balls
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- ½ Lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 cup (180g) Dried Apricots
- 1 cup (75g) Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Nut Version
- 1 cup (130g) Cashews
Nut Free Version
- 1 cup (90g) Rolled Oats
- ½ tablespoon Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds and lemon juice, let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a food processor, blend the chia mixture with the remaining ingredients (choose nut or nut-free version) until a sticky, crumbly consistency.
- Squeeze and tightly compact a tablespoon of the mixture to form a ball. If too dry, add more lemon juice or water. Continue until all the mixture is used.
Col Manickum
A brilliant recipe
I soaked the chia seeds in the lemon juice for 10 min before blitzing, it softens em up
Amy
Excellent idea, thank you 🙂
Emily
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
Hi Emily, without testing I can't say for sure. Worth a try or you could try oats or ground almonds...
Zehra
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
Thanks, Zehra 🙂
Ioana
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
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
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
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
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
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
Great! Thanks Sarah 🙂