Apricot Bliss Balls Recipe

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 Balls

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 getting vitamin 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 Balls

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 sticky dough, 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 my banana oatmeal bars and no-bake chocolate oat bars. You’ll love them! Scroll beyond the recipe card for more favorite energy ball recipes.

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Coconut Apricot Energy Balls

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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

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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!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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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!