These gorgeous Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls are simple to prepare and utterly delicious. They are made with simple ingredients and come together quickly for a healthy snack!

Why we love this recipe:
These Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls are made with ingredients which are easily found in the supermarket. There is no cooking involved; all the ingredients are raw and are easily whizzed together in the bowl of a food processor.
They are free of refined sugar; their natural sweetness comes from the dried apricots, and yet they satisfy my sweet cravings.
They are less sweet than the bliss balls made with dates but equally delicious. The combination of apricots and coconut is light, fresh and slightly tangy.
They travel well so are ideal in lunch boxes, take on picnics or to a potluck. They make a lovely gift; put them in a cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon.
The children will love them, and they are far healthier than a supermarket snack which is over-salted or over-sweetened and contains who-knows-what additives.
As well, if your children are of the right age, get them to help you roll the balls. Things may get a little messy and fingers get sticky but they will enjoy them all the more for being involved.
They are great to have on hand. Keep a container of these in the fridge to enjoy with a tea or coffee, pack them in the children’s lunch boxes or keep some in the drawer of your desk to provide a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Apricots – use soft dried apricots if possible. If your apricots are dry you may need to add some water to the mixture to get it to properly combine.
Almond meal – both almond meal and almond flour are made from ground almonds. However, one may be made from blanched almonds and the other from the whole almond. You could use either in this recipe; the one made from the whole almond will contain more fibre.
Desiccated coconut – this is finely grated, un-sweetened and dried flesh from the white part of the coconut. Store your coconut in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. Alternatively, to extend the shelf life, store it in the fridge or freezer.
Chia seeds – currently enjoying enormously popularity, chia seeds were once a staple in the Mayan and Aztec diets. Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel; they help bind the bliss balls.
Water – I add some filtered water to help the ingredients bind together. If your mixture seems too dry to roll into a ball, add a little more water.
Maple Syrup – adds a little sweetness to the bliss balls, and balances the flavour.
Vanilla – use a good quality vanilla that has been extracted from the vanilla bean, and not synthetically flavoured.
Step by Step Instructions:
- Add the dried apricots to the bowl of a food processor.
- Process the apricots until they are finely chopped.
- Add the coconut, almond meal, vanilla, maple syrup, chia and water to the food processor, and blend until well combined.
- Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add a little water and blend again. Take about a teaspoon of the mixture, and roll into small bowls and toss in the coconut.
Tips for Success and FAQs:
Ideally, use apricots that are very soft; if not, you may need to add some water to the mixture when blending.
After blending the mixture, take a small amount, press it together between your fingers to check if it can be pressed into bars. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a small amount of water to bind it together. Add more if necessary.
They will last in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about one week.
Yes, they can. They can be frozen in an airtight container for about 3 months.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
After some more healthy snack ideas? Try some of these recipes:
- Tamari Roasted Pepitas
- Soy Roasted Almonds
- Spicy Roasted Almonds
- Salt and Pepper Walnuts
- Roasted Mediterranean Olives
- Mixed Seed Crackers
- Salted Caramel Bliss Balls
- Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls
- Nut-Free Chocolate Bliss Balls
These Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls make for a great snack. This easy to make recipe will become a new favourite – be sure to let me know when you have given it a try!
Alex xx
Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls
Ingredients
For the Bliss Balls:
- 1 cup (190 g) soft dried apricots See Note 1
- â…” cup (70 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
- ½ cup (50 g) almond meal See Note 2
- 2 tablespoon (40 ml) maple syrup See Note 3
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract See Note 5
- 1 tablespoon white chia seeds See Note 3
- 2 tablespoon (40 ml) water – if necessary See Notes 3 and 4
To Coat the Bliss Balls:
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened desiccated coconut See Note 3 and 6
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
Instructions
- Add the dried apricots to the bowl of a food processor. Process the apricots until they are finely chopped.
- Add the coconut, almond meal, vanilla, maple syrup, chia and water to the food processor, and blend until well combined.
- Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add a little water and blend again.
- Take about a teaspoon of mixture, and roll into small bowls and toss in the coconut.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- If measuring by volume, the apricots are firmly packed in the cup. We have used soft apricots. If yours are not soft you may need to add a small amount of additional water to the mixture when blending.
- Both almond meal and almond flour are made from ground almonds. However, one may be made from blanched almonds and the other from the whole almond. You could use either in this recipe; the one made from the whole almond will contain more fibre.
- In Australia, the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries, the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. You may need to adjust your quantities accordingly.
- Add water only if necessary to help the mixture combine to be rolled into balls.
- For the best flavour, use vanilla which is extracted from the vanilla bean, not one which is synthetically produced.Â
- Use unsweetened desiccated coconut.Â
You may find you need a little extra to roll the bliss balls in. - Please note, the nutritional information is calculated on one bliss ball. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Beth
These are so delicious and tasty!
Alexandra
Thank you, Beth!
Sue
I will be visiting my daughter soon and I always try to make something with my 4-year-old granddaughter. This will be one of our projects! I love the fact that they are apricot-based. Can’t wait! Thank you!
Alexandra
Thank you so much, Sue! I am happy to hear you’ll be making this together. Family cooking time is so special 🙂 Enjoy – Alex
Emily
Apricot and coconut are two of my favorite flavors and these came together perfectly!
Alexandra
Thrilled to hear that, Emily – thank you so much for letting me know!
Tamara
These were so fun to make, and absolutely delicious!
Alexandra
Thank you, Tamara!
Robyn
These are so delicious! Such and easy and healthier sweet treat to satisfy and sugar cravings! Yum!
Alexandra
Thank you, Robyn! I am so happy you enjoyed these!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Another delicious snack ball, Alex!! Looks amazing! We eat a lot of apricots, so why not turn it into a little ball I can pack into my kiddos’ lunches? Yum!
Alexandra
Sounds like a great plan to me! Enjoy x
Meredith B
These are great.
I didn’t have any maple syrup, so I used a bit of honey.
They’re a really delicious snack.
Alexandra
Hi Meredith!
Thank you so much for trying the Bliss Balls. So pleased you enjoyed them!
Kind regards, Alex
Vanessa
So delicious and easy to make, thank you. How long do you think these would keep in the fridge??
Alexandra
Hi Vanessa!
They will last in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about one week.
They can be frozen and stored in an airtight container for about 3 months, also!
Kind regards, Alex
Irina
I love this quick and easy snack idea!
Alexandra
Thank you so much, Irina!
Anjali
I love how healthy these coconut bliss balls are and the fact that they are refined sugar free!! My kids loved them – we made them over the weekend! 🙂
Alexandra
Hi Anjali, I am so pleased that you and your children like the Apricot Coconut Bliss Balls. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites
I love that this recipe uses apricots instead of figs -so delicious!
Alexandra
Thank you, Lauren!