6-Ingredient Apricot Coconut Energy Balls

5 from 1 vote
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Coconut Apricot Energy Balls are a deliciously chewy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. And they’ll give you the energy to fuel you through a busy, active day or the afternoon slump. These easy, healthy no-bake snacks have just 6 ingredients and take only a few minutes to make. Energy bites, protein balls, whatever you call them, these portable, poppable little snacks are the perfect thing to keep on hand, especially since they are an allergy-friendly snack that’s gluten free, nut free, and dairy free. 

Coconut Apricot Energy Balls

It’s funny how your tastes change throughout your life. As a kid, I wanted no part of anything coconut. My mom used to make Magic Bars, and I made her make mine special without coconut. Now you’ll find me putting coconut in everything from Almond Joy Cookies to Pineapple Coconut Granola.

Anf these no-bake energy balls. While they are made with a base of dates and dried apricots. Those just provide the chewy bite and fruity sweetness that allows the topical coconut flavor to really pop.

They are quick and easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients (only 6!), and they can be assembled in practically no time without even needing to turn on an oven or a stove. Plus they are convenient to grab on the way out the door or pack in lunchboxes! Perfect for allergy-safe schools and camps, these have no nuts, peanuts, gluten, dairy, or eggs!

You can just form the balls and pop them in your mouth right away. But I love the little bit of texture and the adorable look of the balls when they are rolled in some extra shredded coconut. They kind of look like donut holes even though you know that they are actually nutritious snacks.

A bowl of Apricot Chia Energy Balls

Ingredients

  • Dried pitted dates
  • Dried apricots
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
  • Chia seeds
  • Dried ground ginger

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 25% off, plus I earn a small commission on any purchases.

Directions

  1. Add all of the ingredients to your food processor or blender and process into a thick paste. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides as needed.
  2. Using about a tablespoon at a time, roll the mixture into balls. You can roll the balls in additional shredded coconut if desired.
No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls made with chia seeds and coconut

Tips for Success

Choosing the coconut

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.

Gluten free energy balls

While all of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free, if you are highly sensitive 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.

Make ahead and storage

  • 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.
  • You can make a bunch and keep them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
  • Or store them in the freezer even longer. Make a double batch! They will keep 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

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

A stack of Apricot Coconut Energy Balls

More no-bake snacks you’ll love

Coconut Apricot Energy Balls in a stack coated with shredded coconut
5 from 1 vote

Apricot Coconut Energy Balls

A quick and easy healthy snack recipe perfect for grabbing on-the-go or packing in a lunchbox. They’re gluten free, grain free, nut free, dairy free, and vegan.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup dried apricots
  • 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup pepitas pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus additional for rolling, if desired

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until it forms a thick paste, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  • Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls. If desired, roll balls in additional coconut.
Nutrition Facts
Apricot Coconut Energy Balls
Amount Per Serving (1 bite)
Calories 110 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 3mg0%
Potassium 261mg7%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 410IU8%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 0.9mg5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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12 Comments
  1. Bleu cheese. My mother would lap it up, both in dressing and crumbled form, and I thought it was disgusting – but now I can’t get enough! These look fantastic, and could probably fool my toddler into thinking they were donut holes! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! Pinned and shared!

  2. Bradleigh Huizinga

    I love this recipe! I’m always looking for good energy snacks as alternatives to store bought energy bars that tend to contain not-so-great ingredients. My blog focuses on simple ways to be healthy, and this recipe fits the bill!

  3. Hi Brianne, these sound fantastic. I just discovered while cleaning out my fridge that I have a bit of a pumpkin seed stash and need to start making things with pumpkin seeds, so these fit perfectly. Thanks for sharing. Pinning to make this weekend.

    Lynn

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