Apricot & Almond Energy Bites
Chewy, naturally sweet little orbs packed with dried apricots, almonds, and oats. No baking required — just toss everything into a food processor, roll, and chill for a wholesome grab-and-go snack that keeps you going all afternoon.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Soften the apricots.
Place the chopped dried apricots in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 5 minutes to soften, then drain well.
- mix · ~1 min
Pulse the dry ingredients.
Add almonds and rolled oats to the food processor. Pulse 8-10 times until they break down into a coarse, sandy crumb — stop before they turn to powder.
TIPA little texture from the almonds and oats makes the bites more interesting to eat. - mix · ~2 min
Blend everything into a sticky dough.
Add the drained apricots, shredded coconut, honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture forms a cohesive, sticky ball.
TIPIf the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and pulse again until it holds together when pressed. - assemble · ~5 min
Roll into individual bites.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll between your palms into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to make 12 bites. Roll each ball in the extra shredded coconut to coat.
TIPLightly dampen your hands with water to prevent the sticky mixture from clinging while rolling. - rest · ~30 min
Chill to set.
Arrange the energy bites on a small tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. They firm up and the flavors meld beautifully.
- serve
Serve or store for later.
Enjoy straight from the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the dried apricots in warm water for 5 minutes rehydrates them, making the dough easier to blend and the bites naturally chewier — don't skip this step.
- 2Pulse the almonds and oats until they resemble a coarse, sandy crumb, not a fine powder, to maintain pleasant texture in the finished bites.
- 3If the mixture feels too dry after processing, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time and pulse again; the dough should hold together easily when squeezed.
- 4Lightly dampen your palms with water before rolling to keep the sticky dough from clinging to your hands.
- 5Chill the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up and allow the flavors from the apricot, almond, and coconut to meld together.
- 6Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2 months for a longer-lasting snack.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-free
Replace the almonds with an equal amount of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-allergy-friendly version that still offers crunch and healthy fats.
low oilLow-oil
Skip the optional coconut oil; the natural oils from the almonds and the moisture from the soaked apricots provide enough richness to bind the dough.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap 1/4 cup of the rolled oats with vanilla or unflavored protein powder and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra protein boost.
veganVegan
Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make these energy bites fully plant-based.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Dried apricots, almonds, rolled oats, and shredded coconut all contribute dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and coconut provide unsaturated and medium-chain fats that promote heart health and provide sustained energy.
Naturally Sweetened
These bites rely on the natural sweetness of dried apricots and a modest amount of honey, avoiding refined sugars commonly found in packaged snacks.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if your dried apricots are moist and pliable, you can skip the soaking step. If they feel dry or leathery, soaking is recommended to ensure the dough blends smoothly.
