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You are here: Home / Desserts / Coconut Apricot Balls

Coconut Apricot Balls

March 5, 2021 Updated: March 5, 2021 By Leanne 6 Comments

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Pinterest image with a close up side view of coconut apricot balls on a white plate.
Pinterest image of coconut apricot balls piled on a plate.

Coconut Apricot Balls are a no-bake healthy treat made with apricots, raisins, nuts and coconut. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and made without sweetened condensed milk. Store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack or dessert!

Healthy apricot balls rolled in coconut and arranged on a white plate on a pink surface.

*This post was originally published in November 2017. It has been updated with new photos and text, including helpful tips for readers and a few adjustments to the recipe. Scroll to the bottom to see an original photo.

The recipe I’m sharing today is not your typical apricot balls recipe, which are normally made with sweetened condensed milk. These healthy apricot balls are more like energy balls or bliss balls, made with wholesome and filling ingredients and no refined sugars.

Why you’ll love these apricot bliss balls

Quick and easy – once you soak your apricots, these treats come together in just 10 minutes.

Versatile – they’re healthy enough for a post workout snack and sweet enough for a dessert.

Naturally sweetened – these apricot balls are sweetened with just honey and dried fruit. 

Dairy-free and easily made vegan – there’s no sweetened condensed milk in this recipe and you can swap out the honey for maple syrup.

Freezer friendly – you can make them ahead and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Ingredients to make this apricot balls recipe arranged individually and labelled.

Details on the ingredients

Apricots – Dried apricots add a sweet flavour and chewy texture to these bliss balls.

Coconut – To amp up the texture and flavour, coconut is blended into the bliss balls and used for rolling them in too.

Raisins – I love the pairing of apricot and raisins, so I added some golden raisins to the mixture.

Almonds – The recipe calls for whole, raw almonds, but you can also use whole blanched almonds with the skins removed.

Cashews – You can use whole or halved cashews, just make sure they’re raw (not roasted or salted).

Almond butter – Since these apricot balls are made without condensed milk, a sticky nut butter helps bind everything together. I used natural almond butter, but feel free to use another type of nut or seed butter. 

Honey – Again, a sticky sweetener helps bind the ingredients together, in addition to adding natural sweetness.

Almond extract – Just a teaspoon adds a flavour twist to these apricot balls. Feel free to leave it out, or add vanilla extract instead.

Oats – Added for heartiness and to balance out the sticky ingredients.

Ingredients to make apricot bliss balls in a food processor bowl.

How to make apricot balls without condensed milk

  • Soak your apricots in hot water for 30 minutes.
  • Drain the water and add the apricots to a food processor bowl.
  • Add the nuts, raisins, almond butter, honey and almond extract.
  • Blend on high until everything is well combined. You may need to stop a few times to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl. The mixture should be sticky with small pieces of nuts throughout.
  • Add the coconut and oats and blend until incorporated. You want some texture, so be sure not to over process.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture and roll into 1.5-inch balls. Roll in coconut and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.

Mixture for the apricot balls blended together in a food processor bowl.

Storage and freezing

For the best texture, these apricot balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 1-2 weeks.

To freeze them, just place the energy balls in a freezer safe container in a single layer, or in between sheets of wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Recipe substitutions

Raisins – you can substitute golden raisins with another type of raisin, or use more apricots in place of the raisins.

Honey – to make this recipe vegan, substitute the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup.

Nuts – you can use all cashews or all almonds, just make sure they are raw. 

Almond butter – you can replace this with another type of natural nut or seed butter. Just note that it may change the taste of the energy balls slightly.

Almond extract – leave it out or use vanilla extract instead.

Coconut – use flaked or shredded coconut for extra texture, and for a sweeter apricot ball, use sweetened coconut.

Side view of coconut apricot balls piled on a white plate.

Additional recipe tips

  • You will need a food processor to make this recipe.
  • This recipe makes 14 apricot balls. If you have a large and powerful food processor, you can double the recipe.
  • Don’t skip the step of soaking the apricots. This softens them up so they easily blend in with the other ingredients. This is important if you don’t have a powerful food processor.
  • The mixture will be sticky, so you may need to rinse your hands a few times while rolling the apricot balls. If it is too sticky, try adding a few more oats or refrigerating the mixture before rolling into balls.

Close up of apricot balls covered in coconut and piled on a white plate.

Other bliss ball recipes you can try

  • Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Balls
  • Apple Cinnamon Energy Balls

If you make these coconut apricot balls, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

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Side view of coconut apricot balls piled on a white plate.

Coconut Apricot Balls

  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14 balls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Coconut Apricot Balls are a no-bake healthy treat made with apricots, raisins, nuts and coconut. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and made without sweetened condensed milk. Store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack or dessert!


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup whole raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup whole raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup natural almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup medium desiccated unsweetened coconut (divided)
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats

Instructions

  1. Place the apricots in a small bowl, cover with hot water and let soak for 30 minutes.
  2. Drain the water and place the apricots in a food processor bowl.
  3. Add the raisins, almonds, cashews, almond butter, honey and almond extract. Process on high until combined, stopping a few times to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of coconut and the oats and process until just incorporated.
  5. Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll into 1.5-inch balls.
  6. Roll in the remaining 1/4 cup of coconut and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.
  7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  1. This recipe makes 14 apricot balls. If you have a large and powerful food processor, you can double the recipe.
  2. Don’t skip the step of soaking the apricots. This softens them up so they easily blend in with the other ingredients. This is important if you don’t have a powerful food processor.
  3. The mixture will be sticky, so you may need to rinse your hands a few times while rolling the apricot balls. If it is too sticky, try adding a few more oats or refrigerating the mixture before rolling into balls.
  4. The total recipe time includes 30 minutes for the apricots to soak in hot water.
  5. Be sure to check out the other sections above the recipe card for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: apricot bliss balls, healthy apricot balls

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Older image of coconut apricot balls in a white bowl on a wooden surface.

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Holiday Recipes, Snacks, Vegan

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    November 5, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    I start getting ready for Christmas baking before the end of August so we’re on the same page :). These sound delicious, Leanne! Hope you had a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 6, 2017 at 11:32 pm

      Thanks Kelsie! I’m impressed that you start preparing for Christmas baking in August! I’m just turning my attention to all things pumpkin at that point;)! Have a great week!

      Reply
  2. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    November 4, 2017 at 12:07 am

    I can’t believe how soon Christmas is going to be here!! Where did this year go!? I love how healthy these are!! Balls and bites like these are the best because they’re like a treat for my kiddos but full of wonderful ingredients. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 4, 2017 at 8:59 am

      I know! I can’t believe this year went by so quickly! It seems like just yesterday we were putting away our Christmas decorations and soon we will be taking them all out again! And I didn’t even think about it, but these treats are perfect for kids. Bite-sized, healthy cookies! Win-win! Thanks for pinning Katherine!

      Reply
  3. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    November 3, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Holiday baking has begun! I actually get a little stressed out thinking of how quickly the holidays are approaching and how much I have to do, buuuuuut it will get done! Love these healthier treats (and prefer them) over a traditional cookie…probably because I get to eat a little extra guilt free, lol. My mother in law loves cookies and cake straight from the freezer, on the cold side. Funny, huh? Cheers to a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 4, 2017 at 8:46 am

      I definitely get a bit stressed out too. But you’re right, it always gets done! And I totally agree, one of the great things about healthier treats is that you can eat more than one and not feel guilty! Happy Saturday!

      Reply

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Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

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