Creating these Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls is a fun adventure in flavor! Picture this: a soft, slightly tangy apricot paired with nutty almond meal and chewy unsweetened coconut. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? This delightful treat is refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan, making it a wonderful pick-me-up at any time of the day. You can whip these up in no time, and they’re so easy that even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro.
Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost after a workout or a tasty snack to enjoy in the afternoon, these bliss balls will not disappoint. Each bite brings you a burst of nourishing goodness, satisfying cravings without the guilt. Plus, you can easily customize them to your liking. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get right into making these delightful little bites!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating these Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The soft, slightly tangy apricots complement the nutty, rich almond meal. Meanwhile, the unsweetened coconut adds a delightful chewiness. With refined sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan elements, you’re crafting a wholesome snack that satisfies cravings without guilt. The simplicity of the recipe allows even novice cooks to succeed, making it a joyful addition to any kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls
Not only are these Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls delicious, but they also provide a quick energy boost. Perfect as a post-workout snack or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed anywhere. The wholesome ingredients ensure you’re fueling your body with nutrients, turning each bite into a nourishing indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (190 g) soft dried apricots
- ⅔ cup (70 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- ½ cup (50 g) almond meal
- 2 tablespoons (40 ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons (40 ml) water – if necessary
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut for rolling
Make the Bliss Balls Mixture
Process the Dried Apricots
Start by adding the dried apricots to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely chopped to create a sticky base. This initial step is essential for achieving the right texture.
Combine the Remaining Ingredients
In the same food processor, toss in the unsweetened coconut, almond meal, vanilla extract, maple syrup, white chia seeds, and water if needed. Blend everything together until the mixture is well combined and sticky enough to hold together. This part brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Adjust the Mixture Consistency
Check the texture of your mixture; it should be moist but not overly wet. If it’s too dry to roll into balls, gradually add just a little water, blending again until everything sticks together. The right consistency makes a world of difference in the final product.
Form the Bliss Balls
Now comes the fun part! Take about a teaspoon of the mixture and roll it into small balls. Once you’ve rolled out all of them, toss the balls in additional unsweetened desiccated coconut to give them a lovely coating.
Store the Bliss Balls
Place your coated bliss balls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can enjoy a blissful bite whenever you’re in need of a sweet treat!
Serving Suggestions
These Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls can shine on their own as a snack or you can pair them with fresh fruit for a more satisfying dessert. They’re also a fantastic addition to a healthy lunch or picnic spread, making them versatile for any occasion.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your dried apricots are soft to achieve the best texture possible.
- If your mixture seems too dry, don’t hesitate to add a little more water until it holds together just right.
- Feel free to experiment with the size of the balls; smaller ones are great for quick, bite-sized snacks.
Variations
Consider adding other ingredients to customize your bliss balls. For a chocolatey twist, try incorporating a tablespoon of cacao powder. You could also mix in some crushed nuts for added crunch. Additionally, substituting almond meal with other nut flours can provide a different flavor profile, allowing you to make this recipe your own.
Storage Tips
Store your bliss balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just thaw when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet, nutritious snack!
Pairing Ideas
These bliss balls pair wonderfully with a warm cup of herbal tea, a glass of almond milk, or serve alongside yogurt for a complete snack experience. The contrasts in flavor and texture elevate your overall tasting experience!
FAQs
1. Can I use other dried fruits instead of apricots?
Absolutely! Dried figs or dates can be swapped in for a different flavor profile.
2. Are these bliss balls suitable for kids?
Yes! They’re a healthy, no-bake snack that kids will definitely love.
3. How long do these bliss balls last?
They last up to a week in the refrigerator. Additionally, freezing can extend their shelf life even more.
4. Can I make these bliss balls nut-free?
Definitely! Just substitute almond meal with sunflower seed meal to ensure a nut-free option.
5. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Agave nectar or honey (if not strictly vegan) works well as an alternative to maple syrup.
Creating these Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls satisfies sweet cravings while providing a deliciously nutritious treat. The ease of preparation and the possibility of customizing ingredients means they can be tailored to fit any preference or occasion. Perfect for a quick snack or as a delightful energy boost, these bliss balls are sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe collection!
PrintApricot Coconut Bliss Balls
These Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls combine soft dried apricots, almond meal, and chewy coconut for an easy, healthy snack or energy boost any time.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (190 g) soft dried apricots
- ⅔ cup (70 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- ½ cup (50 g) almond meal
- 2 tablespoons (40 ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons (40 ml) water – if necessary
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened desiccated coconut for rolling
Instructions
- Process the dried apricots in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add unsweetened coconut, almond meal, vanilla extract, maple syrup, white chia seeds, and water (if needed) to the food processor and blend until combined.
- Check texture; add water if too dry, ensuring the mixture can hold together.
- Take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll into small balls, rolling them in additional coconut for a coating.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use soft dried apricots for the best texture.
Adjust the water as needed to achieve the right consistency for rolling.
Experiment with size for bite-sized snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 2.5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0