Coconut Apricot Energy Balls Recipe
Go-Go Nuts For To-Go Coconuts (and Apricot) – We’re Talking Coconut Apricot Energy Balls!
Table of Contents
Whether you’re in need of a ready-to-go source of portable energy or a healthy treat for that mid-afternoon slump, coconut apricot energy balls might just be your next go-to! No-bake energy balls have become the best friend of anyone with a busy schedule, with a short prep-time, no cook-time, and valuable nutrition in every bite-sized bit. With a mixture of dried stone fruits and some reliable sources of fiber, these little bites pack a health-conscious punch when you’re feeling peckish and in need of a pick-me-up or if you have after-school passengers who can’t wait for dinner to have something to eat.
Similar to our recipe for date energy balls, featuring cashews and cinnamon for a delicate, nutty finish, coconut apricot energy balls are a perfect mixture of naturally creamy-sweet fruit ingredients with a touch of complimentary sour palate. Complex flavors don’t necessarily mean a complex assembly, as coconut apricot energy balls are so simple they can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and served chilled for a delightful (and guilt-free) dessert!
are Coconut Apricot Energy Balls Healthy?
Coconut apricot energy balls are an ideal addition to almost any ongoing diet. Rolled oats and chia seeds make for a fine source of fiber and the apricots and dates are excellent for gut health. Coconut shavings top off to provide a healthy all-natural sweetness. Since they are already vegan, this treat only requires a small adjustment to instantly become paleo and gluten-free: almonds! Finely chopped, roasted almonds in substitution for rolled oats helps keep the fiber content of coconut apricot energy balls high while making it an ideal protein snack for pre-workouts!
Why Apricot? Are you Coco-NUTS?
There are a lot of dried fruits that can be used to make energy bites and balls, most commonly among them being dates. Dates and Apricots share the sour palates found in dried fruits without the typical taste of tartness. Coconuts and dates share some tropical flavors, allowing them to get friendly with each other in acai bowls and smoothies. But that does, then, beg the question: “why apricots and coconut?” The two aren’t frequently paired together here at FoodFaithFitness, though coconut is often used in health-conscious granolas and we have used apricots in no-bake balls with cashews. Well, apricots and coconuts share more than just a mutual friend! Both apricots and coconuts have similar creamy notes which make them secretly complementary to one another, like when two side-characters make an unstoppable duo independent of the lead!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dried Apricots
- 10 Medjool Dates pitted
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Desiccated Coconut divided
- ¼ cup Chia Seeds
- 1 Tbsp fresh Ginger finely shredded
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend
Combine apricots, dates, oats. Blitz to a fine mix.
Add
Half the coconut, chia, ginger go in. Blend to a fine crumb.
Roll
Squeeze two tablespoons of mix into a ball. Repeat till finished.
Coat
Roll these spheres in remaining coconut.
Store
Keep them in an airtight container. Devour!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Coconut apricot energy balls are as easy as putting ingredients through a food processor until thoroughly blended and rolling into balls with your hands. Depending on the size of bite you prefer (whether larger for a pre-workout snack or smaller for little hands and mouths), you have all of the control in portioning your mixture. Because coconut apricot energy balls get better with time for the flavors to get to know one another, storing them is easier and tastier with a little bit of space in your fridge. Just make sure your coconut apricot energy balls are stored in an airtight container and, for best serving, roll them in coconut flakes just before serving (or else your coconut might start sweating).
Help! My Balls Aren’t Sticking Together!
If your coconut apricot energy balls are too loose, you may have too much water content in your ingredients. If you’re willing to add a touch of honey to the blended contents, it can serve as a sweet binding agent to prevent the balls from falling apart and it won’t spoil no matter what temperature you store your finished coconut apricot energy balls at! If you want more protein, almond (or any other nut) butter makes a great addition to the flavor of apricot and coconut!
I Can Only Get Chia Seeds In Bulk! What Can I Use the Rest For?
Coconut apricot energy balls aren’t the only recipe at FoodFaithFitness that uses chia seeds for their added fiber content and health benefits! If you have a big bag of chia seeds needing a purpose following your energy ball binge, they can be added to a number of dishes which use other ingredients you might have remainders of. Add chia to your remaining rolled oats for a healthy chia seed oatmeal breakfast option.
I Heard Chia Seeds Are Better Hydrated! Should I Hydrate My Chia Seeds Before Adding?
While chia seeds are a better source of fiber when soaked in water long enough for their filmy veils to encase them, doing so for granolas and no-bake energy balls results in a slimy mess that won’t easily form into balls nor keep their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Coconut apricot energy balls make an excellent light breakfast and are an awesome mid-afternoon snack after a busy day. The perfect pairing for a delicious, healthy snack like this might come as a surprise but sweeter smoothies compliment the sour subtleties while totally vibing with the creamy flavors of coconut. Lending to its flexible options, any smoothie makes a fine flavor friend with energy balls and the added fiber from coconut apricot energy balls helps retain nutritious blended smoothies for a longer satisfaction and a healthier body!
Coconut Apricot Energy Balls Recipe
Go-Go Nuts For To-Go Coconuts (and Apricot) – We’re Talking Coconut Apricot Energy Balls!
Servings 15
Calories 137kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried Apricots
- 10 Medjool Dates pitted
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Desiccated Coconut divided
- ¼ cup Chia Seeds
- 1 Tbsp fresh Ginger finely shredded
Instructions
- Place the apricots, dates, rolled oats and blend.
- Then add in half the coconut, chia seeds, and the shredded ginger into the food processor and blend until it forms a fine crumb.
- Scoop out about two tablespoons of the mix and squeeze it together to form a ball. Then repeat with the rest of the mix.
- Roll the balls in the remaining shredded coconut and keep in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg
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