Healthy apricot balls

These sweet and nutty healthy apricot balls are super delicious and nutritious. They can be prepared in just 10 minutes and can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks. They are perfect as a snack or breakfast.

Here is a quick and simple recipe for apricot energy balls, that only take 10 minutes to make. We prefer less sweet energy balls, so we use apricots instead of commonly used dates, as they have a lower sugar content. We also use almonds, hemp seeds, and oats to balance the sweetness. Apricots and almonds pair nicely as they both have subtle floral notes. The combination of nuts and dried apricots provides a contrasting texture as well. Overall, the balls have a chewy texture that is satisfying to bite into.

These balls provide the ultimate healthy fuel as they are nutritionally well-balanced, containing a mixture of complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. We often have a container in the fridge and eat them as a quick breakfast, or before we hit the gym for strength training.

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What you’ll need to make the healthy apricot balls

• Dried apricots – The star of these energy balls and will give it the most flavor.
• Almonds – We like to buy chopped almonds as that makes the blending process easier. If you only have whole almonds, we recommend chopping them into smaller pieces before adding them to the food processor. Blanched or skin-on almonds will work well.
• Rolled oats – Both old fashioned and instant will work.
• Medjool dates – Have a soft texture, which is a nice binder of all ingredients.
• Hemp seeds – Add protein and healthy fats.
• Maple syrup and water -Acts as a binder of the mixture, which results in apricot and almond balls with a lovely chewy and sticky consistency.
• Sea salt – Should be included in any sweet or savory dish, to balance the sweetness and provide more depth of flavor.

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Dried apricots buying guide

There are two types of dried apricots: orange and dark brown ones. Orange dried apricots are typically treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve their color, while brown apricots are naturally dried without preservatives, which lets them turn dark brown. We always seek brown apricots for the obvious health benefits of using fewer chemical preservatives in the drying process. We also prefer the less-sweet flavour and the chewier texture. On the one hand, the orange apricots are very sweet and have an almost artificial floral flavour. Brown apricots, on the other hand, are less sweet, and the sweetness taste like that one of caramel, which probably comes from the sugar caramelisation in the drying process. Brown apricots are also a little tart, which some people don’t enjoy – so they are an acquired taste.

Either type of dried apricots will work in this recipe. However, we’d encourage you to dry the brown ones, if you have not yet, and see for yourself which ones you prefer.

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How to make apricot and almond energy balls

This recipe could not be easier – it comes together by adding all the ingredients in a food processor and mixing until you are happy with the consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water.

Recipe alterations

Use this ratio of dried fruit versus nuts and seeds, to change the flavours. For example, change the almonds with pistachio nuts, or sunflower seeds. In a similar vein, apricots can be replaced by dates or rasins.

Storage tips

These apricot balls can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a month. They might start drying out after a week, which can be prevented by adding a damp paper towel inside the container.

If you are interested in more healthy snacks, you should check out our Peanut butter smoothie (without banana), White Chocolate & Pistachio Date Bark, and Date And Peanut Butter bites (With Flaky Salt).

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Healthy apricot balls

Author: Darja

These sweet and nutty healthy apricot balls are super delicious and nutritious. They can be prepared in just 10 minutes and can be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks. They are perfect as a snack or breakfast.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Fitness food, Mediterranean, vegan

Servings 13 Balls

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• 1 Food processor
• 1 Kitchen scale
• 1 Glass or plastic container
• 1 Spoon, or ice cream scoop

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 200 grams dried apricots
• 150 grams rolled oats
• 100 grams almonds chopped
• 3 medjool dates
• 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/2 tespoon salt

Instructions

 

• Chop the apricots and dates. Chop the almonds, if you are using whole ones.
• Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, until they are combined and a paste forms. It's okay to leave some larger chunks of dried fruit because it will add a fun texture.
• Grab a spoon or an ice cream scoop and spoon the mixture into your hand. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, or any size of your preference.
• Enjoy the apricot balls and store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

• You can also make energy bars, as that might be more convenient to bring with you and have on the go. For this method, grab two baking paper sheets and place the mixed ingredients in between the two sheets. With a rolling pin, roll out the mixture to a desired thickness and cut it into bars. If you plan to have them on the go, you can wrap each bar in baking paper, for easy transport. 
• As long as you keep the dried fruit and nuts ratio, you can substitute either of these ingredients for whatever you prefer, or have at home. 
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a month.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.002gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 329mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 581IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Apricot and almond energy balls, Apricot energy balls, Apricot healhty balls