Apricot Coconut Balls
Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe so simple yet so delightful that you find yourself making it over and over again? That’s exactly how I feel about these Apricot Coconut Balls. With just a few pantry staples and no baking required, these sweet little treats have become a favorite in my household. Do you have a go-to no-bake recipe?
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Why You’ll Love These Apricot Coconut Balls
First, let’s talk about flavor and texture. The tangy sweetness of dried apricots blends beautifully with the tropical flavor of coconut flakes. The condensed milk binds everything together, giving the balls a soft, chewy texture. And if you love a little crunch, rolling some in ground nuts adds that perfect nutty contrast.
One of my favorite things about these treats is their versatility. While I like to roll half in nuts and half in extra coconut flakes, you could choose one or the other—or even try powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Apricot Coconut Balls
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 oz dried apricots
- 3 cups coconut flakes, plus extra for rolling
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup ground nuts (for rolling) optional
1. Choose Your Preparation Method for Apricots
- Option 1 (Food Processor): Add the dried apricots, coconut flakes, and sweetened condensed milk to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough. This method saves time and ensures everything is evenly incorporated.
- Option 2 (By Hand): Finely chop the dried apricots using a sharp knife. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apricots, coconut flakes, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
2. Chill the Mixture (Optional)
For easier rolling, cover the mixture and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it less sticky to handle.
3. Roll the Balls
Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Depending on the size, this recipe will yield about 36 bite-sized treats.
4. Coat the Balls
- Place the ground nuts and extra coconut flakes in separate shallow bowls.
- Roll half of the balls in the ground nuts, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Roll the other half in the extra coconut flakes, ensuring a nice, even layer.
- For additional variety, roll some balls in powdered sugar, if desired.
5. Set the Balls
Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to set or refrigerate them for a firmer texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once set, transfer the balls to a serving plate or store them for later.
This recipe yields about 36 balls, depending on the size you roll them. I like to make them bite-sized, but feel free to make them a little larger if you prefer.
Storage Tips for Your Apricot Coconut Balls
These little delights are best stored in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, but for longer storage, pop them in the fridge. I’ve found they also freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat for holidays or parties.
Have you ever frozen no-bake treats before? Just place the balls on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever a craving strikes!
They Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These Delightful Apricot Coconut Balls are a hit for so many occasions. From holiday platters to last-minute desserts, they’re always well-received. And let’s not forget how easy they are to make with kids! Rolling the balls and coating them is such a fun activity
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Apricot Coconut Balls
Ingredients
- 6 oz dried apricots
- 3 cups coconut flakes plus extra for rolling
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup ground nuts for rolling optional
Instructions
- Add the dried apricots, coconut flakes, and sweetened condensed milk to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and forms a sticky dough. This method saves time and ensures everything is evenly incorporated.
- Or finely chop the dried apricots using a sharp knife. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apricots, coconut flakes, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- For easier rolling, cover the mixture and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it less sticky to handle.
- Take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Place the ground nuts and extra coconut flakes in separate shallow bowls.
- Roll half of the balls in the ground nuts, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Roll the other half in the extra coconut flakes,
- Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to set or refrigerate them for a firmer texture.