A bowl of Apricot Energy Balls.

I love a toddler-friendly snack, like these No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls, that is very easy and quick to meal prep and can be enjoyed by the whole family!

My family loves these Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins and Spinach Banana Muffins for Toddlers (No Added Sugar!) as well!

*This post was originally published on August 17, 2020 and updated on June 2, 2023.

An Energizing Snack

Though I can’t say I want my toddlers to have more energy than they already do, these No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls do offer a naturally energizing snack with lots of nutrients. 

Actually, perhaps these “energizing” balls should just be eaten by adults so we can have enough energy to parent…

A toddler hand is reaching for an apricot energy ball in a small bowl filled with them.

5 Simple Ingredients

There are only 5 ingredients in these Energy Balls!

  • Dates
  • Dried apricots
  • Chia seeds
  • Cashews
  • Coconut oil

How to Make No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls

STEP 1 – Soften dates & melt coconut oil

Pour hot water over dates in a small bowl to soften. Set aside for 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish by heating in the microwave for about 1 minute.

STEP 2 – Process ingredients

In a food processor, process all ingredients together for 20-30 seconds.

STEP 3 – Form energy balls

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, use a spoon to scoop the mixture out and then form bite-sized balls by rolling the mixture using your hands. Eat right away or store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Two energy balls with a bowl of more balls sitting behind them.

Nutrients in Apricot Energy Balls

  • Dried Apricots – a great source of iron (helping to keep us energized!), fiber, potassium, and Vitamin A and C
  • Dates – high in fiber, important minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and iron), Vitamin B6, and they are a natural sweetener.
  • Chia Seeds – protein and fiber-rich, contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and antioxidants.
  • Cashews – contain heart-healthy fats, protein, and copper (which helps with energy production).
  • Coconut oil – provides healthy fats to help regulate blood sugar.

Yummy Add-Ons

Rolled oats

Shredded coconut

Cinnamon

An overhead view of apricot energy balls in a bowl with apricots, cashews, and dates surrounding it.

Important Notes

  1. Though dried apricots and dates provide lots of important nutrients, it is equally important to note that they both contain a high amount of natural sugar. Make sure that your child does not consume too many at once. I recommend only eating 1 at a time.
  2. Given the sticky nature of dried fruit, please make sure that your child is old enough and ready to chew this type of food so that it doesn’t present as a choking hazard. Feel free to make the bites bigger or a square shape so they may not be as tempted to pop the whole thing in their mouth at once. I liked using the Solid Starts app to help me introduce foods to my little ones.

More Toddler-Friendly Snacks

Healthy Sweet Potato Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins

Date Energy Bars

Healthy Toddler Apple Peanut Butter Cookies

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If you tried these No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls or any other recipe on the blog, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Thank you so much!

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A bowl of Apricot Energy Balls.
5 stars (1 rating)

No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls

Yield: 10 balls
These No-Bake Apricot Energy Balls are an easy and quick snack to bring to school, work, or on your next adventure! They're also vegan and gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 4 pitted dates
  • 1 cup dried apricots
  • cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup cashew nuts
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted

Instructions
 

  • Pour hot water over dates in a small bowl to soften. Set aside for 2 minutes.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish by heating in the microwave for about 1 minute.
  • In a food processor, process all ingredients together for 20-30 seconds.
  • On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, use a spoon to scoop the mixture out and then form bite-sized balls by rolling the mixture using your hands.
  • Serve right away or store in an air-tight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for later.

Notes

To Store: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Add Ons: Shredded coconut, oats, or cinnamon. 
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Leave a COMMENT and STAR RATING below to help others find it, too! Thank you so much!