Apricot Energy Bites: No-Bake Date & Nut Snack

These super-easy, 4-ingredient (5 if you add honey) apricot balls make a perfect quick breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Tangy apricot, sweet dates, and bright orange zest combine into a treat both kids and adults enjoy. Make them ahead and store in the fridge or freezer.

Note: this recipe was originally published in 2019 and updated with new photos and improved instructions in subsequent years.

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to reach for convenient but less nutritious snacks. These apricot balls (also called apricot bliss balls) are an easy, wholesome alternative made from dried fruit, nuts, and a splash of orange for bright flavor. They’re grain-free and use only simple ingredients that most people already have on hand.

I tested versions with oats, but my toddler rejected that texture, so I developed this grain-free version with dried apricots, Medjool dates, and roasted cashews. The apricots bring a lightly tangy note, the dates provide natural sweetness, and orange zest adds aromatic freshness that elevates the whole bite.

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Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Cashews: Roasted, salted cashews give more flavor and a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness, but use whatever cashews you prefer.
• Dried apricots: Use sulfured (bright orange) apricots for this recipe — they are softer and moister than unsulfured varieties and yield better texture.
• Medjool dates: Buy pitted Medjool dates when possible for easiest prep. If your dates aren’t pitted, remove the pits before processing.

Step-by-step photos

Below is a concise step-by-step method to make these apricot balls. The process is straightforward and takes only minutes with a food processor.

1. Pulse the cashews in a food processor until finely chopped — about 9–10 one-second pulses. Remove most of the chopped cashews to a bowl, reserving 6 tablespoons (40 g) in a small bowl for coating the final balls.

2. Add the dried apricots and Medjool dates to the empty food processor bowl and pulse in short bursts until the fruit breaks down into rough pieces — about 4–6 one-second pulses.

3. Zest one medium orange, taking care to remove only the colored outer layer of the peel (avoid bitter white pith). Measure about 1 teaspoon zest. Cut the orange in half and squeeze out 1 tablespoon of juice (you can use 1–2 tablespoons total if you prefer softer balls).

4. Add the orange zest and 1 tablespoon orange juice to the fruit in the processor. If you want sweeter balls, add 1–2 tablespoons honey (optional). Pulse until the mixture becomes more cohesive and begins to clump.

5. Return the chopped cashews (except the reserved 6 tablespoons) to the food processor and pulse until evenly combined and the mixture starts to form a ball.

6. Taste and adjust: add a bit more honey for sweetness or a little orange juice for a softer texture. Remember the mixture will firm up in the fridge.

7. Pour the reserved chopped cashews onto a plate. Form the mixture into balls by hand — about 1½ inches (3.8 cm) diameter is a good size — then roll each ball in the cashews to coat the exterior.

8. Enjoy immediately or store tightly covered in the refrigerator or freezer. The balls will firm up as they chill.

Tips and tricks

• Medjool dates vary in size. If yours are small, add 1–2 extra dates or follow the weight listed in the recipe (130 g).
• If using unsalted cashews, add a pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance flavor.
• Cashew pieces work fine and are often less expensive; when using mostly pieces, weigh the nuts (149 g) for best accuracy instead of measuring by volume.

Storage instructions

• Because these contain fresh orange juice, store them chilled. Keep tightly covered so they don’t dry out or absorb odors.
• Refrigerator: 3–4 days. Freezer: up to 3–4 months. For freezing, first freeze the balls in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container to prevent them sticking together.

Substitutions and additions

• Swap cashews for almonds or macadamia nuts if preferred. Harder nuts may require longer processing.
• If you dislike orange, use apple juice or water instead. Lemon zest can replace orange zest for a different bright note.
• To make vegan, replace honey with agave syrup. For variety, roll balls in shredded coconut or sprinkles instead of chopped nuts.

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