Have you ever had a snack that tastes like candy but is actually good for you? These apricot energy balls are one of my favorite go-to treats! They’re sweet, chewy, and packed with good stuff like oats, cashews, and dried apricots. The best part? You don’t even need to bake them!
I love how fast they are to make just toss everything in a food processor, roll into balls, and boom! You’ve got a healthy snack ready for your lunchbox or after-school munchies. Let’s get into it!
Method
Prepare the Orange
Start by getting your orange ready. You’ll need just half of it. Use a small grater or zester to gently scrape off the orange peel that’s the zest. Be careful not to grate too deep into the white part because it can taste bitter. After that, cut the orange and squeeze out the juice into a small bowl. This juice and zest will add a fresh, fruity flavor to your energy balls.
Add Everything to the Food Processor
Now it’s time to build the mix! In a food processor, add the oats, shredded coconut, cashews, dried apricots, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. A food processor is important here because it chops everything up evenly and helps the ingredients stick together.
Blend the Mixture
Close the lid of your food processor and blend. You don’t need to blend for a long time just until the mixture becomes one big, sticky ball. You’ll notice it starts to clump and hold its shape. That’s how you know it’s ready. If you blend too long, the nuts may release oil and make the mix greasy, so stop as soon as it looks like dough.
Shape into Balls
Once the dough is ready, scoop out small pieces using your hands or a spoon. Roll each piece between your palms to make round balls. Try to make them all about the same size so they look nice and finish at the same time if you’re storing or serving them. You should be able to make about 14 balls from this recipe.
Chill in the Fridge
After shaping the balls, place them on a plate or in a container. Put them in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This helps them firm up so they’re not too soft or sticky when you eat them. Once chilled, they’re ready to enjoy right away or can be stored for later!
Necessary Tools:
- Food processor
- Small bowl for zesting and juicing
- Measuring spoons
- Clean hands for rolling the balls
- Refrigerator
Apricot Energy Balls – A Sweet and Simple Snack! 🍑
Cuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Easy14
servings5
minutes00
minutes5
minutesIngredients
60g oats
60g shredded coconut
60g cashews
100g dried apricots
1 tbsp honey
Juice and zest of ½ an orange
Optional: A pinch of salt
Directions
- 🍊 First, zest and juice half an orange. Set it aside.
- 🍑 Add all the ingredients to your food processor.
- 🍑 Blend everything until the dough sticks together. It should look like a big, soft ball.
- 🍑 Scoop out small amounts and roll into 14 little balls.
- 🧊 Place them in the fridge to firm up for 15–30 minutes. Then, enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t over-blend the mixture or it might turn too oily. Stop when it forms a soft, sticky dough.
- If the mix is too dry, add a tiny bit more orange juice.
- Make sure your hands are clean and slightly damp to stop the dough from sticking while rolling.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pack them in your lunchbox as a fun snack.
- Take them on a hike or car trip.
- Add one or two to your breakfast plate.
- Pair them with a glass of milk or your favorite smoothie!
Fun Fact:
Apricots are full of vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy. They also taste like sunshine sweet and a little tart!
Conclusion
These apricot energy balls are one of the easiest snacks you’ll ever make. They’re sweet, healthy, and super fun to roll. You can make them by yourself or with a friend in just a few minutes. Next time you’re hungry and in a hurry, remember this little treat. It’s like a bite of fruit and nuts all in one!
