These healthy dried fruit snack balls made with coconut, apricot and sultanas make a delicious bite-sized snack. Free from refined sugar, these energy balls are perfect for grazing on when hunger strikes and also make a tasty children's treat.

Swapping unhealthy for healthier snacks!
When I first made these apricot and coconut snack balls, I was on a quest to find healthier snacks for my family so we could swap them for the unhealthy snacks we all loved!
If you're anything like us you'll know how hard it is change habits where snacks are concerned but I was determined to try. We'd all got used to eating the wrong kind of snacks during Christmas and New Year and although I don't mind a few unhealthy snacks, I just wanted a healthier balance. New year, new healthier me.
So, I decided to try and swap the unhealthy snacks for some healthier options like these coconut, apricot and sultana snack balls, sometimes called energy balls.
I was especially hoping to make an energy ball my two children could enjoy as a snack and as these snack balls are full of dried fruit they make a great healthy snack for kids. You can shape them into small bars instead of balls if you want too.
Not only are these snacks delicious and healthier than some snacks, they are also one of the easiest snacks to make as there is no cooking involved. In fact, as long as you have a food processor, you can make them in minutes.
So, what ingredients do you need for these snack balls?
To make these apricot snack balls you'll need just 4 ingredients:
- Sultanas or raisins
- Dried apricots
- Dessicated coconut
- Coconut oil
How do you make snack balls?
These coconut apricot snack balls are so simple to make. Just put all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz. If you want a really smooth texture then blitz them for longer. If you don't mind a bit more texture in them then blitz them just until they start to come together as a dough.
You can then take spoonfuls of the mixture and roll it into balls between the palms of your hands.
What equipment do you need to make energy balls?
To make these energy balls you'll need a good food processor. I use my Magimix food processor. I've had it for 13 years and it's still going strong and had loads of use! When it finally does stop working I will definitely get another one.
Can you adapt these snack balls?
Yes you can. Snack balls are very forgiving. As long as you keep the quantities roughly the same you can swap the raisins or even the apricots for a different dried fruit. How about prunes or figs?
I used sultanas and apricots as I had a lot leftover from making my Christmas cake but you could use any dried fruit.
Can you substitute the coconut oil
I wouldn't. Coconut oil is great for snack balls as it is solid at room temperature.
That means it's perfect for making this type of snack as it holds all the ingredients together as it sets.
It tastes of coconut too so it's perfect in recipes where you want the oil to add flavour, not just be something to cook your food in. The coconut oil, as well as the desiccated coconut gives the balls a lovely coconut flavour without them being oily.
How to store these snack balls?
Even though coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it's best to keep these snack balls in the fridge as it helps them keep their shape.
How long will they keep for?
If you store them in the fridge they will keep for at least a week, maybe a little longer.
Can you freeze them?
Yes, if you want to freeze them, freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Once they are frozen you can transfer them all to a freezer bag.
To defrost, just take out however many you want and you can defrost them at room temperature in about an hour. Or you can defrost them in the fridge but it will take a bit longer.

More Healthy Snacks
All these recipe are free from refined sugars and make delicious healthy snacks.
- Sugar free date and apple cake
- Chocolate chip pumpkin cereal bars
- Sweet potato cookies with chocolate chips
Recipe

Apricot Coconut Snack Balls
Ingredients
- 100 g sultanas or raisins
- 75 g dried apricots
- 25 g dessicated coconut
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Put the sultanas, apricots and coconut in a food processor. Blend until it is quite broken down and sticky. Put in a mixing bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil in a microwave and pour over the dried fruit and coconut mixture. Stir well.
- Roll small amounts of the mixture between your hands to form balls then put them in the fridge to set a little.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later!

Places I'm sharing these healthy snack balls
Treat Petit, hosted by Cakeyboi and on alternate months by The Baking Explorer.
Valentina
I can never have too many tasty sweet treats around. And when they're on the healthier side -- even better! Love the apricot!
Corina Blum
Thanks Valentina! I couldn't agree more and I think apricot is great in these kind of snacks.
Lalaine
These snack balls look amazing! Great that they're also nutritious as they are delicious!
Corina Blum
Thanks Lalaine! I keep trying to make healthier snacks for my children as they are so tempted by the wrong things if I'm not prepared!
Tina
These are very different, just a few ingredients and no oats. How interesting. They look fabulous, saving this, thanks for sharing!
Corina Blum
I'm so pleased you like them! I guess I'll have to try a recipe with oats next time!
Tina
These sound like such a nice treat without the guilt. Interesting and it looks so easy. Gonna have to make these and get back to you.
Corina Blum
I hope you like them! It's definitely good to have a few guilt-free snack options around as I know I am tempted by the less healthy options otherwise!
Sarah
all about the energy bites and am loving the flavor profile here!
Corina Blum
Thanks Sarah! I haven't made many different energy bites recipes but now I have so many different ideas I'd love to try!
Jacqueline DiNuoscio
These look so delicious! I would snack on them all day long!
Corina Blum
That is exactly what I did!
athleticavocado
these look so yummy! the perfect snack!
Eat Your Veg
I love baking or making with coconut oil, and it's so good for you, as are your delicious looking energy balls! Thanks so much for linking up to Family Foodies 'Healthy Kids' event.
Corina
I need to make some more of these soon as they were so popular. I'm definitely a convert to coconut oil now.
petra08
Coconut oil is delicious and what a great way to use it! The balls looks delicious 🙂
Stuart Vettese
I can't believe how many of us are using coconut oil now! These look perfect for me pre-run. Thanks for entering them into Treat Petite!
Corina
When I manage to get back to running that's when I'll be enjoying them too!
sunshinemakermom
ooh i will have to try these! Most energy balls have "rolled oats" in them and my daughter is allergic. I absolutely love coconut oil! Not only do I cook with it, I use it as an eye make-up remover and body moisturizer.
Corina
What a versatile use of it! It's quite new to me but I'm loving the taste in various recipes at the moment.
yummyinsidemytummy
Reminds me of my rum balls!
Corina
Oooh a little rum in these would be delicious. Coconut and rum - lovely!
Lucy @ BakingQueen74
They look lovely and I bet they taste great, those flavours sound delicious
Elaine @ foodbod
Looking good!!!!
Dana Fashina
ooooooh!
Fancyyyy!
I want some.
MyKabulKitchen
These look healthy and decadent with the use of coconut, thanks for sharing 🙂
Joanne
I love the flavors in these! Such a fun snack to have around!