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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Easy Apricot Balls

    By Min On February 24, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Jump to Recipe
    A close up shot of the apricot balls with a bite taken out.

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

    A close up shot of the apricot balls with a bite taken out.

    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 peanut butter bliss balls and pumpkin 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.

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

    Jump to:
    • Healthy Apricot Bliss Balls
    • Selecting the Best Apricots
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • More Great Snack Recipes
    • Apricot Bliss Balls

    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

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.

    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

    A two image collage showing how to make the balls.
    Pulsed apricot balls batter in food processor.
    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. Using 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

    Stacked balls with a toddler's hand grabbing one.

    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

    • Healthy Muffins for Kids (And Toddlers)
    • Creamy Greek Yogurt Smoothie (6 ways)
    • Healthy Chocolate Avocado Pudding
    • Easy Vanilla Yogurt

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    A close up shot of the apricot balls with a bite taken out.

    Apricot Bliss Balls

    Naturally-sweetened and easy to whip up, these healthy apricot balls make for a delicious and filling snack for kids and adults alike.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 18 - 20 balls
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup almonds (155g), or cashews
    • 1 cup fresh dried apricots (180g), see note
    • ¼ cup oats (quick oats, oat flour, or rolled oats)
    • ¼ cup dessicated unsweetened coconut (plus more for rolling, optional)
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Water, as needed

    Instructions

    • 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.
    • Add the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and blend on high for 1-2 minutes, until a sticky dough forms. Using a mini cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough and roll into bite-sized balls.

    Notes

    • 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.
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

    More Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    • Fluffy Vegetable Rice
    • How to Freeze Yogurt
    • Creamy Chicken Orzo
    • Custard Yogurt Toast (Sweet and Savory)

    Share or Save It for Later!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jeeho says

      March 14, 2023 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      Also great!

      Reply
    2. Marija says

      March 09, 2023 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I love it! it is super simple and super yummy!!! Will make more of it!

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 09, 2023 at 4:20 pm

        So easy right? Enjoy!!

        Reply
    3. Hephzibah says

      March 07, 2023 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. I did not have dessicated coconut so skipped that but it still turned out great and my 2 year old enjoyed it! Thank you MJ!

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 08, 2023 at 5:46 am

        So happy to hear that your toddler enjoyed these balls!!

        Reply
    4. Kat says

      March 07, 2023 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe for kids and adults alike! I added 2 Tbsp of low carb maple syrup for stickiness, and mixed macadamia, almond and hazelnuts.

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 08, 2023 at 5:46 am

        Love the extra additions!

        Reply
    5. Insa says

      March 03, 2023 at 4:56 am

      Do you think they can be made with sunflower seeds? No nuts or tree nuts in school 🙁

      Reply
      • Min says

        March 03, 2023 at 5:49 am

        I haven't tried so can't say for certain but I bet it would work! Would you let me know if you try?

        Reply
        • Kat says

          March 07, 2023 at 5:00 pm

          I used pepitas / pumpkin seeds for rolling and it turned out great. I haven't tried replacing the nuts with it, though

          Reply
          • Min says

            March 08, 2023 at 5:46 am

            ooh! will have to try that next time! Thank you for sharing!

            Reply
    6. Pam says

      February 28, 2023 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a hit for my toddler. She doesn’t stop asking for more! I wish I could pack it with her snacks to daycare, but they are a nut-free environment. Thank you so much for this recipe. It is delicious 😋

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 28, 2023 at 7:46 pm

        I'm SO glad that she loves these so much!! Thanks for taking the time to share!

        Reply
    7. Katherine says

      February 25, 2023 at 6:34 pm

      If you have ground almonds and no scale, how much would you say it is?

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 27, 2023 at 2:23 pm

        Not completely certain but I would start with 3/4 cup

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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