Easy Apricot Balls

Naturally-sweetened and easy to whip up, these healthy apricot balls make for a delicious and filling snack for toddlers, kids, and adults alike.

Healthy Apricot Bliss Balls

Feeding my kids feels relentless and never ending. I cook, we eat, I clean up, I turn around and it’s time to eat again! Yes, I understand toddlers have small tummies and need to eat every 2-3 hours, but it sure is exhausting to keep them fed and happy, isn’t it?

And that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing meal ideas and recipes that are quick and easy with a short ingredient list.

Right now, I’m working on a lot of portable snack recipes because we are always on the go and my son started kindergarten where lunch is at 10:15!

These EASY bliss balls, peanut butter bliss balls, pumpkin balls, and carrot balls have been HUGE hits with both of my kids, so I’m committed to coming up with all kinds of variations, like these apricot energy balls!

You are going to love how EASY it is to whip up with simple ingredients and no added sugars. Apricots are also a significant fruit source of iron.

The texture is soft and slightly chewy, making them perfect for young children to eat. They’re also a great way to introduce raw nuts, as whole nuts are a choking hazard. You can even turn these into homemade larabars!

Enjoy as a quick mid morning or afternoon snack or add to kids lunch boxes! 

Selecting the Best Apricots

Since apricots are the star ingredient, I want to make sure you purchase the best ones for the most delicious final product.

There are no added sugars (although you can add some if you wish), so it’s best to grab fresh, dried Turkish apricots which are sweeter and juicier than the other varieties.

You will also find them sold sulfured (which helps preserve color) and unsulfured. The latter is what I prefer as again, I’ve found them to be sweeter. You do want to eat them quickly or refrigerate as they have a shorter shelf life.

Note that the color of the energy balls will be dark like you see here. If you desire a brighter, orange hue, then you can use Turkish sulfured apricots.

Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

• Fresh dried Apricots – This is THE most important ingredient so get the best quality you can find. I prefer unsulfured apricots, which are commonly found in the bulk bin section at the grocery store. If your apricots don’t have much moisture and feel dry, refer to the “tips for success” section below.
• Almonds – Helps make these energy bites more filling with a healthy dose of protein and fats. You can also use cashews or macademia nuts.
• Chia seeds – adds texture and extra protein, fiber, and omega-3s. You can also use hemp seeds.
• Oats – Use rolled oats for a chewier texture or quick oats or oat flour for a smoother consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the almonds and pulse until finely chopped. Make sure there are no big chunks left. Optional: If using rolled oats and you desire a smooth consistency, pulse along with the almonds.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, until a sticky dough forms.
3. Use a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into bite-sized balls.

Tips for Success

• If your apricots seem dry, soak them first in hot water for 5 minutes or so to rehydrate them. Drain, pat dry, then add to the food processor. Otherwise your batter will not stick together.
• If too crumbly, pulse in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Roll the balls in extra desiccated coconut, if desired.

Equipment

I highly recommend using a food processor if you have one. My husband got me this food processor for Christmas because I want to start making more bliss balls and energy bars for snacks. So far I am LOVING it!

You can make this in a high-speed blender, but the texture tuns out differently and the mixture will be really hard to get out of a blender jar.

Storage

Transfer to an airtight container and keep on the counter at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These bliss balls will become firmer so take them out 5 minutes or so prior to serving.

You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature.

More Great Snack Recipes

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