Delicious & Easy Coconut Apricot Bites: Your Healthy Energy Snack

Are you searching for a delightful, energy-boosting treat that satisfies your sweet cravings without any guilt? Look no further! These incredibly yummy coconut apricot bites are a perfect solution. Whether you prefer them rolled into small, convenient balls for on-the-go snacking or pressed into a pan and sliced like a decadent fudge, their versatility makes them an ideal addition to your healthy lifestyle. Packed with natural goodness, these bites offer a burst of flavor and sustained energy, making them a fantastic choice for a quick breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a satisfying after-dinner treat.

The Quest for the Perfect Sweet Treat

For those of us with an undeniable sweet tooth, finding a healthy treat that truly hits the spot can be a lifelong quest. Some days, it feels like every meal demands a sweet finale. My most recent personal health goal has even revolved around ensuring I consume a proper meal *before* reaching for something sweet. This particular recipe for Coconut Apricot Bites has been a game-changer in that journey. There’s something truly remarkable about them; they are so incredibly satisfying that I find myself content after just one. Unlike a rich piece of cake that often tempts you into a second slice, these bites offer such a fulfilling experience that resisting more is surprisingly easy. Perhaps it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, or maybe the wholesome ingredients, but one bite is often all it takes to feel completely satisfied.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

These delightful treats are best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. The moment they touch your tongue, they begin to melt, releasing a complex yet harmonious blend of tastes. The distinct, almost tart notes of the dried apricots are expertly balanced by a delicate hint of sea salt and the natural sweetness of raw honey. This combination creates an addictive flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. While honey is my preferred sweetener for its unique flavor and binding properties, feel free to experiment with other liquid sweeteners if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Just keep in mind that honey tends to crystalize when refrigerated, which can affect the texture slightly, though it remains delicious.

Wholesome Ingredients, Incredible Benefits

What makes these Coconut Apricot Bites truly special isn’t just their taste, but also the nourishing ingredients they contain. Each component plays a vital role in both flavor and health benefits, making these a truly smart snack choice:

Dried Apricots: These humble fruits are nutritional powerhouses. They’re an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. Apricots are also rich in antioxidants, vital vitamins (like Vitamin A for vision and skin), and minerals such as potassium, important for heart health. Their natural sweetness and slight tang are essential to the flavor balance of these bites.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Far from just a flavorful addition, shredded coconut provides healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized by the body for energy. It also adds a wonderful chewy texture and tropical aroma that complements the apricots perfectly. Using unsweetened coconut allows you to control the overall sweetness of the bites.
Raw Honey (or Liquid Sweetener): Beyond its natural sweetness, raw honey acts as a fantastic binder, holding all the ingredients together. It also contains beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. If you’re vegan or prefer another sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent liquid alternatives that will achieve a similar binding effect and add their own unique flavor notes.
Coconut Oil: This ingredient not only helps bind the bites and provides healthy fats, but it also contributes to that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture when chilled. It solidifies in the cold, giving the bites their firm structure.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that makes these bites feel more like a gourmet dessert.
Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt is crucial! It doesn’t make the bites salty, but rather enhances and balances the sweetness of the apricots and honey, making the overall flavor more complex and appealing.

5 from 1 vote

Coconut Apricot Bites

Author Erin Dooner

Course Dessert, Snack, Energy Bites

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

A quick, no-bake, and utterly delicious sweet treat made with wholesome coconut and tangy apricots. Perfect for a healthy snack, energizing dessert, or delightful lunchbox addition! These bites are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan.

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup dried apricots (preferably unsulphured)
▢ 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
▢ pinch sea salt
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for richer flavor)
▢ 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
▢ 1-2 tablespoons raw honey or other liquid sweetener (e.g., maple syrup for vegan)

Instructions

In a food processor, add half of the shredded unsweetened coconut. Process until it forms a fine powder. This step helps release the natural oils and creates a creamier texture for the bites. Once powdered, remove it from the food processor and set aside.
Next, add the dried apricots to the food processor. Blend until they are finely chopped into very small, uniform pieces. You want them to be well broken down to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
Return the powdered coconut to the food processor along with the remaining shredded coconut, finely chopped apricots, a pinch of sea salt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey (or your chosen liquid sweetener) to start. Blend all the ingredients together until a sticky “dough” forms. If the mixture seems too dry and isn’t holding together, add the second tablespoon of honey or sweetener, blending again until a cohesive dough is achieved. The consistency should be pliable and easily moldable.
At this point, you have two main options for shaping. If the dough is still warm from blending (coconut oil can liquefy with heat), it’s best to refrigerate the mixture for about 15-20 minutes until it firms up slightly. Then, scoop out small portions and roll them between your palms into bite-sized balls. Alternatively, for a “fudge-like” presentation, press the entire mixture firmly and evenly into a small square or rectangular pan lined with parchment paper. Once pressed, refrigerate the pan for at least an hour (or until very firm) before slicing it into small squares or bars. Store your finished Coconut Apricot Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and freshness.

Notes

This time I made these with a little bit of vanilla bean paste, which is why you might notice tiny little black flecks in the pictures – it adds an extra layer of gourmet flavor! While delicious, it’s not strictly necessary; regular vanilla extract works perfectly fine and will still yield amazing results. For an extra touch, consider rolling the finished balls in additional shredded coconut for a beautiful, snow-capped appearance. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for added fiber and omega-3s!

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Customization and Serving Suggestions

One of the best aspects of these Coconut Apricot Bites is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Add Nuts or Seeds: For an extra boost of protein and healthy fats, try adding a quarter cup of raw almonds, cashews, or walnuts to the food processor along with the apricots. Chia seeds or flax seeds can also be incorporated for more fiber and omega-3s, as mentioned in the notes.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a tiny amount of ginger can add a warm, exotic flavor dimension to these bites.
Different Sweeteners: As noted, maple syrup or agave are great vegan alternatives to honey. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference – start with less and add more if you like it sweeter.
Coatings: For a more decorative or varied texture, roll the finished balls in additional shredded coconut, finely chopped pistachios, cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate after chilling.

These bites are incredibly versatile for serving too. They make a fantastic:

Quick Breakfast: Grab a couple for a nourishing start to your day.
Healthy Snack: Perfect for curbing afternoon hunger pangs.
Post-Workout Energy Boost: Replenish your energy stores with natural sugars and healthy fats.
Lunchbox Treat: A wholesome alternative to sugary processed snacks for kids and adults alike.
Light Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth after a meal without overindulging.

Storing Your Bites for Maximum Freshness

To keep your Coconut Apricot Bites firm and fresh, always store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last wonderfully for up to a week. For longer storage, these bites freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take one out and let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature, or enjoy it frozen for a different texture!

Making these homemade energy bites means you have full control over the ingredients, avoiding any unwanted additives or excessive sugars often found in store-bought options. They are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by swapping honey for another liquid sweetener, making them suitable for various dietary needs. This simple, no-bake recipe is quick to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor and health benefits.

Post updated: January 16/2018. Here’s what the pictures looked like before: