Apricot Coconut Energy Balls

Just like my always-popular Apricot Energy Bars, these little bites start with a base of dates and dried apricots to make them sweet and chewy. But since I got into a phase of adding coconut to everything from treats like Almond Joy Cookies to snacks like Pineapple Coconut Granola, I couldn’t resist adding it here. There is something about the combination, along with a hint of ginger, that allows the tropical coconut flavor to really pop.

Just for fun, give them an extra roll in coconut for a little texture and even more coconutty goodness.

Why You’ll Love Apricot Energy Balls

• Quick and easy to make. There are only 6 ingredients, and they can be assembled in practically no time without even needing to turn on an oven or a stove. You’ll be ready to pop them in your mouth right away.
• Convenient. Grab on the way out the door, whether you have a day of work or fun ahead, or pack them in lunchboxes!
• Allergy-friendly. Perfect for allergy-safe schools and camps, these have no nuts, peanuts, gluten, dairy, or eggs!

Recipe Ingredients

• Dried pitted dates.
• Dried apricots.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut. I like this because it’s finely grated and adds pure coconut flavor. You can use the bags of sweetened coconut you find in the baking section of the grocery store, but this adds quite a bit of extra sugar. If you like, you can roll the balls in extra coconut for a fun coating.
• Pepitas. Also known as raw pumpkin seeds. This helps bind and add a little texture, but keeps them nut-free. You can use nuts like walnuts, cashews, or pecans, if you prefer.
• Chia seeds. Feel free to swap flax seeds, though I like the texture of chia.
• Dried ground ginger. Adds a hint of warm spice that pulls all the flavors together.

Tips for Success

• Get the right equipment. I typically use my food processor. However, a high-powered blender such as a Blendtec with the Twister Jar is a great option because that jar has a lid with built-in blades for scraping down the sides. If you haven’t gotten your hands on a Blendtec yet, you can check them all out and use my Blendtec Ambassador code CUPCAKESANDKALECHIPS for 20% off, plus I earn a small commission on any purchases.
• Blend completely. Add all of the ingredients to your food processor or blender and process into a thick paste. This takes several minutes, so don’t rush. You may have to stop the machine and scrape down the sides to fully incorporate all of the ingredients.
• Check your labels. While all of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten, dairy, and nut free, if you are highly sensitive to any of these allergens, please do read the labels. Occasionally, some seeds or dried fruits are processed on shared equipment or in the same facility, where cross-contamination can be a risk.
• Double it up. You can easily make a double or triple batch of apricot energy balls so you always have snacks on hand. They keep for up to a week at room temperature, but even longer when refrigerated or frozen. See below for more info.

Proper Storage

• Countertop. Since these are made entirely with dried fruit, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to a week.
• Fridge. You can make a bunch and keep them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
• Freezer. Or freeze them for several months in an airtight container or plastic freezer storage bags. Take them out the night before you plan to pack them in a lunchbox or eat them.

More Energy Ball Recipes

Once you know the basic technique, you can make these snack bites with an endless variety of flavor combinations. Some of our favorites are:

• Chocolate Energy Balls
• Cinnamon Apple Energy Balls
• Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
• Cranberry Energy Balls
• Banana Chocolate Chunk Energy Balls
• Skinny Strawberry Shortcake Bites from House of Yumm