These Chocolate Chia Apricot Balls are a wholesome, no-bake snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Packed with fiber-rich oats, antioxidant-loaded dried apricots, and plant-based protein from nut butter and chia seeds, they offer a guilt-free treat for kids and adults alike.
Quick to prepare and easy to store, they make a perfect grab-and-go option for everyday snacking or meal prep.
Chocolate Chia Apricot Balls
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 tablespoon or small scoop
- 1 spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight Container for storage
Ingredients
- 80 g chopped dried apricots ½ cup
- 90 g dark chocolate chips ½ cup
- 100 g rolled oats 1 cup
- 35 g chia seeds 3 tablespoons
- 45 ml maple syrup 3 tablespoons
- 180 g nut butter ¾ cup; almond, peanut, or cashew
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Chop the dried apricots into small, uniform pieces so they blend evenly with the other ingredients. Measure out your oats, chia seeds, chocolate chips, nut butter, and maple syrup precisely. Having everything ready beforehand will make the mixing process smooth and stress-free.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped apricots, rolled oats, chia seeds, and dark chocolate chips. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite will contain a balance of chewy apricot, crunchy oats, and rich chocolate.
- Add Nut Butter and Sweetener: Next, add the nut butter of your choice (almond, cashew, or peanut) to the bowl. Pour in the maple syrup as well. These wet ingredients will act as the binder, holding the apricots, oats, and chia seeds together. For best results, use a nut butter that is creamy and smooth, as it will make rolling the balls easier later.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spatula or sturdy spoon, start mixing the ingredients together. Begin by folding the dry ingredients into the wet ones, then gradually press and mix with the back of the spoon to form a sticky, cohesive mixture. This step may take 2–3 minutes, and it’s important to ensure every piece of apricot and oat is coated with nut butter and maple syrup.
- Let the Mixture Rest: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the chia seeds to absorb moisture and form a gel-like consistency, which makes the mixture easier to roll and helps the balls hold their shape. It also enhances the texture, making them pleasantly chewy.
- Scoop and Shape: Once the mixture has rested, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Press gently, but firmly, to make sure they hold together without cracking. Take your time to make uniform balls for a professional, tidy look.
- Chill to Set: Place the rolled balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up. This step helps the nut butter set and the flavors to meld together, giving a perfectly balanced taste and texture.
- Store for Enjoyment: Once chilled, transfer the apricot balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, making them an easy grab-and-go snack. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these Chocolate Chia Apricot Balls as a healthy snack with a cup of tea or coffee, pack them in lunchboxes for kids, or enjoy them as a post-workout energy boost. Their chewy texture, naturally sweet flavor, and balanced nutrition make them perfect for any time of day.
Notes
- Chia Seeds Optional: Omitting chia seeds is possible, but the balls may not hold together as well because chia helps with binding.
- Nut Butter Variety: Almond or cashew butter gives the best flavor, but peanut butter works as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Maple syrup can be swapped with honey or agave syrup depending on your preference.
- Oat Options: Rolled oats are ideal, but quick-cooking oats can be used if needed.
- Fruit Substitutions: While apricots are key, dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates can be used for a different twist.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Balls
The key to achieving perfectly shaped Chocolate Chia Apricot Balls lies in balancing moisture and texture.
Letting the mixture rest allows chia seeds to gel, making rolling effortless and keeping the balls intact.
Always use creamy nut butter, as chunky varieties can cause cracking.
For extra flavor, lightly toast the oats before mixing—they’ll add a subtle nuttiness that complements the chocolate and apricot perfectly.
Press firmly but gently when rolling to ensure each bite is compact, yet tender.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
These apricot balls are versatile enough for multiple occasions.
Serve them as a wholesome snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a mid-morning energy boost.
They’re also ideal for lunchboxes, pre- or post-workout fuel, or as a guilt-free dessert option.
For a festive touch, roll them in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts.
Pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a small handful of nuts for a balanced, satisfying snack.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Store your apricot balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
If you want to prepare them in bulk, freezing is the best option—they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When freezing, arrange them on a tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a container once solid.
Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Always keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these balls nut-free?
Yes! Replace the nut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
The texture will remain creamy, and the flavor is still deliciously rich.
2. How do I make the balls less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup slightly or choose unsweetened dried apricots.
Dark chocolate with higher cocoa content can also cut down on overall sweetness without compromising texture.
3. Can I use other dried fruits?
Absolutely. While apricots give a unique tart-sweet flavor, chopped dates, raisins, or cranberries work beautifully.
Keep the ratio of fruit to oats the same to maintain the mixture’s binding.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, these balls are ideal for meal prep. Prepare them in advance, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze in batches for months.
They’re perfect for quick snacks or on-the-go energy bites.
5. Why are my balls falling apart?
This usually happens if the mixture is too dry. Ensure you use enough nut butter and syrup, and let the chia seeds rest to gel.
If needed, add a teaspoon of water or extra nut butter to improve binding.
