At Kiwigarden, we understand the daily juggling act of giving your little ones delicious and nutritious snacks. Finding that perfect balance can often feel daunting in the whirlwind of busy schedules and endless to-do lists. We have the solution for a great snack to pop in school lunch boxes that satisfy sweet cravings and give you the satisfaction of knowing you're providing the best for your little ones. The combination of protein, healthy fats and sweetness will help keep them going between meals. Here is an easy-to-make sweet treat that's kid-approved and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
To make the best apricot bliss balls NZ-wide, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 cup dried apricots (or whichever dried fruit you prefer, such as dates, prunes, cranberries, raisins, sultanas)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (finely grated)
- ½ cup ground almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews or rolled oats
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice (optional)
- 1 ½ tsp orange zest or lemon zest
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 ½ tbsp of runny honey or maple syrup or 14 Medjool dates (if not included already)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Finely zest the orange or lemon and set it aside.
- If the dried apricots or other fruit feel tough, soak them in hot water and drain before adding to a food processor. Pulse the apricots until coarsely chopped.
- Add the coconut, cashew/sunflower/almond meal, and orange or lemon zest. Process until the ingredients bind together.
- Mix in coconut oil and honey or maple syrup and blitz for approximately 30 seconds.
- If the mixture appears too dry and not easily rollable, gradually add juice until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Roll tablespoons of the mixture into even-sized balls using your hands.
- Place the apricot balls on a tray or plate and refrigerate.
- Allow to chill for 30 minutes; then, your delicious apricot bliss balls are ready to serve. Enjoy!
Mixing bliss balls without a food processor
Mixing bliss balls without a food processor is entirely doable, albeit more hands-on. To begin, dice the apricots and nuts using a sharp knife until finely chopped. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine with all the other ingredients. Stir vigorously until the apricot mixture comes together into a sticky dough-like consistency. You may need to use your hands to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Once well-mixed, roll into balls.
Alternative toppings to desiccated coconut
As an alternative recipe for coconut bliss balls, you can roll each bliss ball in crushed nuts like walnuts, pistachios or cashews. Or use almond meal, cocoa powder, chia seeds or flax seeds.
Storing your bliss balls
Properly storing your apricot bliss balls is crucial to maintaining their freshness and texture. After rolling them, store bliss balls in an airtight container or a resealable bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For short-term storage (up to a week), place the container in the fridge to help maintain their shape and flavour.
We recommend freezing them if you intend to store them for longer. Simply place the balls in a single layer on a tray or plate and freeze until they harden, then store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the freezer. Properly stored, frozen bliss balls can last for several months. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
