Apricot Walnut Snack Balls

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth then look no further than these apricot walnut snack balls! Made with only a few simple ingredients, these balls are not only tasty but also a nutritious treat or healthier dessert option to traditional sugary snacks.

Packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, they make for a nutritious snack option. they’re satisfying and surprisingly filling. Great to have in the fridge for when you’re feeling snacky.

The heavenly combination of apricots, walnuts, coconut, and orange is what sets these snack balls apart from other sweet treats. The tangy sweetness of the apricots perfectly complements the tropical flavour of the shredded coconut, while the hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrusy twist.

The really big ‘healthified’ secret here is that you have the option of using homemade condensed milk, free of the LOADS of sugar in store bought stuff. 

The facts are…manufacturers take out about 60% of the water from the milk to “condense” it down. After they “condense” the milk, they add about 40% sugar to fill the void from the water.

I’m sure you’re asking yourself why the manufacturers do this. Well, the added sugar means the shelf life is longer, plus transporting the milk is easier due to not having to store it in cooler temperatures.

Its always about the convenience to them, rather than peoples health.

Regular sweetened condensed milk is not health friendly at all.

The nutritional profile of a tablespoon of regular condensed milk contains 10g carbs, all of which are sugars. Standard canned condensed milk contains 90 calories, 15 carbs, and 15 grams of sugar PER SERVING.

But when you take the time and effort to make your own condensed milk, especially if its from coconut cream to make this delightful treat, you get all the real, natural coconut flavor - no artificial food flavorings here!  Each little ball is like a piece of heaven.

The recipe for the homemade condensed milk is below in notes. It really very easy to do and you can keep some in your fridge so its ready to add a dollop on EVERYTHING for a super healthy treat.

It will be something you can enjoy regularly as part of a healthy eating plan. Its high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a form of beneficial fat that can increase energy levels and enhance brain function and has many other health benefits.

MCTs also help people lose weight by making them feel fuller longer and encouraging fat burning, they also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

All of the ingredients in this recipe are healthy too - dried apricots are high in dietary fibre, as well as a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, and iron. They’re also power houses packed with antioxidants such as beta-carotene, and flavonoids. They’re naturally sweet, making them great to use in healthier desserts.

Walnuts are incredibly nutritious and offer a variety of health benefits, including higher antioxidant activity than most other nuts. This is due to the presence of vitamin E, melatonin, and polyphenols, which helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins and minerals.

Desiccated coconut – contains healthy fats, predominantly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are easily absorbed by the body and can be quickly converted into energy. It’s also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Orange zest – I love adding a hint of orange to these apricot coconut balls. I feel the flavour complements the sweetness of the apricots and creaminess of the coconut so well. You can omit if you prefer not to use. It won’t affect the texture.

I am excited to discover these apricot and walnut snack balls - little balls of deliciousness that are chock full of healthy real foods. They are so darn tasty, you will want more!

The perfect thing to have as a mid-afternoon sweet treat or to take as a plate to a pot luck dinner, party or family gathering – or as I have done – having on hand in the fridge when you want a little something to nibble on!

Course Dessert, Snack

Keyword apricot walnut bliss balls, aprrcot walnut snack balls, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy apricot coconut bliss balls

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried apricots
• 3 cups desiccated coconut, separated
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or nuts of choice
• 2/3 cup condensed milk – store bought or sugar free recipe below in notes
• 1 orange juice and zest

Instructions

• If you are going to make your own sugar free condensed milk, do that first so its ready when you need it to make these snack balls. Recipe below in notes.

  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or wax paper). Set aside.

  Place walnuts in food processor and process until broken down and crumbly. Add apricots, 2 cups coconut and condensed milk and continue to process until combined.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have different sized ‘bit’s in your snack balls.

  Shape mixture into1-inch (golf ball size) balls (about 12-14 balls) and roll in remaining 1 cup shredded coconut.

  Coconut apricot balls may be eaten right away or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

   

Notes

There are some recipes that are just better with condensed milk (think fudge and ice cream!)

This is a super simple recipe that creates a delicious sugar free condensed milk, perfect for eating straight out the jar or in your favourite recipes!

Go here for the recipe: Sugar Free Homemade Condensed Coconut Milk

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites