Apricot Bliss Balls Recipe (2024)

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This recipe for Apricot Bliss Balls is vegan, gluten-free, made with no added sugar, and is a perfect portable snack to have on hand!

So many recipes for energy balls (mine included) involve chocolate and peanut butter. Of course you can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter, but I was ready to change things up and get fruity.

Coconut reminds me of all things tropical, and spring weather that acts like winter weather gives me a major case of cabin fever, so I thought coconut would be a perfect base. I had a huge bag of dried apricots from Costco, so Apricot Bliss Balls were born.

Energy balls are a popular snack over here. The kids just love them and I love that I can control the ingredients and make them in less than 15 minutes.

Get your daily dose of fiber and vitamins with these healthy apricot bliss balls.

I believe healthy snacking is just as important as a hearty dinner. We might not realize it, but we pack the most carbs and sugars when snacking. That means I’m always looking for great snack recipes that use wholesome ingredients and still taste delicious. This healthy apricot balls recipe is my forever favorite when I’m looking for a non-chocolate snack!

These apricot energy balls are a perfect healthy snack to curb sweet cravings. What I love the most about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients.

There’s no cooking or baking involved: Just pop your bliss ball ingredients in the food processor and whizz.

The best part? These tasty apricot-date energy bites are free of refined sugar. Their natural sweetness is from dried apricots and dates. And when rolled in extra desiccated coconut, they are just too good.

Plus, they pack and travel so well. Give them in your kids’ lunch boxes or pack them in an airtight container for a picnic in the park. They’ll do right by you.

I always prefer having a jar of them on my table for a quick morning snack. Pair them with your favorite rise-and-shine drink, or just pop them in your mouth like candy. Perfect!

Recipe Ingredients for Apricot Coconut Bliss BallsApricot Bliss Balls Recipe (3)

I told you, the recipe is a breeze to make. The meal prep time is so less you might feel bad for taking the credit. Here are six healthy ingredients that you will need to make these delicious sweet treats:

Dried Apricots

I use a cup of pitted, dry apricots for this recipe. Dry apricots are a power pack of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They are fat-free and super low in calories. You’re gettingvitamin A, vitamin C, copper, fiber, potassium, and catechins (the same anti-inflammatory nutrient found in green tea) from the apricots.

Dried apricots taste just like fresh apricots. They are tangy with a hint of sweetness. But they are chewier, and that’s precisely what we need for this recipe.

Dates

To balance the tartness of apricots and enhance the sweet content, I use half a cup of pitted dates.

Dates, as we all know, are highly nutritious. They contain selenium, copper, zinc, fiber, vitamin B6 and they promote brain health. Since I have growing kids, it’s really important to me!

Now, there are some differences depending on what kind of dates you use. Medjool dates have a caramel-y taste and are chewy.Regular dates, however, have a firm texture and are delicately sweet. No problem, whichever you choose, these will turn out well.

Dates add adequate sweetness without needing maple syrup or honey!

Cashew

Nuts make everything better, especially snacks. They are crunchy, nutty, and high in healthy fats. Cashews also provide copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. I use half a cup of cashew for this recipe.

If you like almonds more, feel free to swap them out. You can also try adding pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds to the mix.

Shredded Coconut

Who doesn’t love coconut? The flaky texture is just the coating you need. Plus, it makes my bliss balls look pretty! There’s a nutritional benefit to using coconut as well. It provides vitamin C, iron, calcium, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

Shredded coconut or desiccated coconut, as some may call it, is a great way to increase the nutrition content in this recipe. Half a cup is all you need.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a must-have ingredient in any snack. A small teaspoon of this magic ingredient will bring out the flavor of all other ingredients. Use one that’s extracted from the bean, not the artificial stuff.

Salt

Salt is like that one friend without whom your party wouldn’t be complete. A small pinch makes a difference in the taste of these delicious healthy sweet treats.

As you can see, every ingredient is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. These snack balls are a good source of zinc, which is an important nutrient for immune function. Such an important nutrient to get enough of, especially when the kids are in school and sickness is always going around!

How to Make Apricot Bliss BallsApricot Bliss Balls Recipe (4)

Honestly, it’s the simplest thing to do.

  1. Put all your ingredients in the bowl of a food processor
  2. Process it at high speed till everything crumbles. It should be sticky if you pinch between your fingers.You can add a little coconut oil or coconut milk if they don’t hold.
  3. Now, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls
  4. Toss each ball in some extra coconut, and enjoy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to store Apricot Bliss Balls?

    These bliss balls are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can keep them in the fridge for a week, too.

    Can I freeze them?

    Yes, absolutely! Use a freezer-safe box and let them rest in it. They’ll pass three months without any issues.

    My mixture is too dry and doesn’t stick together. What should I do?

    It’s okay. Every batch might come out differently. If yours is too dry, your dates may have not had enough moisture. Add a little coconut oil or coconut milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until they stick together.

    What if my mixture is too wet?

    You want a stickydough, but if yours is too wet, add some rolled oats or almond meal and process again. That should take care of a too-wet texture.

    I hope you love this Apricot Bliss Balls recipe as much as my family and I do. If you try them, please let me know! Leave a comment and star rating below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag me so I see it and I’ll feature you!

    If you want more trusty healthy snack recipes, check out mybanana oatmeal bars andno-bake chocolate oat bars. You’ll love them! Scroll beyond the recipe card for more favorite energy ball recipes.

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    Apricot Bliss Balls Recipe (5)

    Coconut Apricot Energy Balls

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    4.4 from 7 reviews

    • Author: Maryea Flaherty of Happy Healthy Mama
    • Total Time: 15 mins
    • Yield: 24 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Print Recipe

    Description

    This Apricot Bliss Balls recipe is vegan, gluten-free, made with no added sugar, and is a perfect portable snack to have on hand!

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    • 1 cup dried apricots (pitted)
    • 1/2 cup dates (pitted)
    • 1 cup cashews
    • 1/2 cup (unsweetened) shredded coconut
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • pinch salt

    Instructions

    1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
    2. Process until the ingredients are broken down and look like a coarse crumb. If you pinch it between your fingers, it should stick together.
    3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll in extra shredded coconut, if desired.
    4. Enjoy!
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Category: snack recipe
    • Method: food processor
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 ball
    • Calories: 69
    • Sugar: 6.5g
    • Sodium: 2.1mg
    • Fat: 3.7g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
    • Carbohydrates: 9g
    • Fiber: 1.2g
    • Protein: 1.4g

    Here are some of my family’s other favorite energy ball recipes:

    Chocolate Bliss Balls(Can’t go wrong with chocolate!)

    High Protein Energy Balls(made with chickpeas and peanut butter)

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls(made with black beans)

    Strawberry Shortcake Energy Balls(all time favorite, most requested!)

    Search all energy balls right here!

    Apricot Bliss Balls Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    How many dried apricots should I eat a day? ›

    Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day. The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots). All dried fruit contains the same nutritional qualities as the original fresh fruit. In fact, weight for weight the dried form contains more of the antioxidants, minerals and fibre than the raw original.

    How to prepare an apricot? ›

    Generally, you will need to remove the pit to cook with apricots. To do so, slice around the seam of the apricot (the part that meets the stem), then firmly twist the fruit open and take out the pit. You may also need to peel the skin, depending on the recipe.

    Why are bliss balls good for you? ›

    They are full of nutritional benefits.

    Bliss balls are usually created with a base of nuts and seeds, which contain a lot of healthy fats and are rich in fibre and protein. Almonds, for example, are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium and vitamin B2.

    How to consume dried apricots? ›

    How to use dried apricots
    1. As a snack: Dried apricots can be eaten as is, as a snack or as a dessert.
    2. In cooking: Dried apricots can be used to prepare sweet or savory dishes. They bring a sweet and sour touch to recipes.
    3. In infusion: dried apricots can be used to prepare a delicious and refreshing infusion.

    Are too many dried apricots bad for you? ›

    They are high in sugar, potentially causing blood sugar and digestive issues if overconsumed. Their calorie density may lead to weight gain, while their stickiness and sulfite content can harm dental health, underscoring the need for moderation in intake.

    Are dried apricots good for your bowels? ›

    Dried apricots are high in fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and aids in digestion. They also contain sorbitol, which can have a mild laxative effect.

    Do I have to soak dried apricots? ›

    Rehydration: Dried apricots can be quite dry and chewy, and soaking them in water helps rehydrate the fruit, making it softer and more palatable. Digestibility: Soaking dried fruits can make them easier to digest. The soaking process can break down some of the fibers and make the nutrients more accessible.

    Are dried apricots good for you? ›

    One cup of dried apricots provides 94% of your body's daily need for Vitamin A and 19% of its iron. Dried apricots also contain potassium and antioxidants and have been known to lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Dried apricots are fat-free, low in calories & high in flavor!

    What pairs well with apricots? ›

    Apricot: Pairs well with almonds, anise, apple, black pepper, caramel, cardamom, cinnamon, coconut, cranberry, ginger, hazelnut, honey, lemon, nutmeg, orange, peach, pineapple, plum, rosemary, Sauternes, strawberry, and vanilla.

    What are bliss balls made of? ›

    Cherry Ripe Bliss Balls

    Makes: Approx 9 Ingredients: 8 Medjool Dates, pitted 10 fresh cherries, pitted 1 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tbsp white chia seeds 1 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp cinnamon 150g dark chocolate Directions: Melt chocolate over the stove or in the microwave.

    What are other names for bliss balls? ›

    You may have heard of them by one of their many other names - energy balls, energy bites, date balls - but they're all the same thing! I call them bliss balls because, well, it sounds blissful. So what exactly are bliss balls made of? They usually consist of two main ingredients: nuts (or nut butter) and dates.

    Are bliss balls the same as protein balls? ›

    Protein balls (or bliss balls, if you prefer) are great on-the-go snack if you're trying to eat healthily or looking to lose weight. Filled with fiber-rich and protein-packed ingredients like oats, dates and nuts, they'll keep you fuller for longer – plus you don't need protein powder to make them.

    What tastes good with dried apricots? ›

    Top 10 Ways To Enjoy Dried Apricots
    • Fruited Rice Pilaf. Brown rice tossed with sautéed garlic, dried apricots and cranberries, raisins, slivered almonds and more!
    • Substitute for Chocolate. ...
    • Apricots on a Log? ...
    • Salad Topper. ...
    • Top Your Bagel. ...
    • Pop a Few. ...
    • A Tantalizing Trail Mix. ...
    • Fruit Salad.

    Should you wash dried apricots before eating? ›

    Absolutely. In fact, everything in your environment, including your food, is covered with bacteria, but most of them are harmless. In the good old days, we washed fruit and veggies to reduce possible contaminants, like insecticides used in their growth to keep them pretty, not to remove bacteria.

    Is apricot good for diabetes? ›

    Apricots can be a good choice for people with diabetes. They are a low glycemic index (GI) food, which means that they do not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. In addition, apricots are a good source of fibre. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall blood glucose control.

    What is the healthiest dried fruit to eat? ›

    Some of the healthiest options with the most nutritional value include raisins, apricots, prunes and dates. But note that dried fruit may contain added sugar so opt for ones without as a healthier alternative.

    Is there too much sugar in dried apricots? ›

    While dried fruit is high in fiber, its high sugar content can actually lead to weight gain. Fresh fruit is a better option. In fresh fruit, the high fiber content is accompanied by a high water content.

    Should we soak dried apricots before eating? ›

    Dried apricots must be soaked for several hours or overnight, in water. The apricots are rehydrated by this procedure, which softens their texture and revives their flavor.

    Do dried apricots count as a serving of fruit? ›

    30g of dried fruit (this is equivalent to around 80g of fresh fruit) counts as 1 portion of your 5 A Day. Dried fruit should be eaten at mealtimes, not as a between-meal snack, to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

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