Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these no-bake coconut apricot balls are rolled in desiccated coconut and served chilled—an easy and elegant treat perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, these little bites deliver a satisfying balance of fruitiness and creaminess, wrapped in a delicate coconut coating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These coconut apricot balls are a delightful no-bake dessert that comes together in minutes. They require no oven, are made from wholesome ingredients, and offer a naturally sweet flavor with just a hint of citrus. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or snacking, they also store well and are highly adaptable. Whether you’re making them for a festive event or a quick weekday treat, their simplicity and elegance will win you over.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- dried apricots
- desiccated coconut (plus more for coating)
- crushed biscuits (tea biscuits or graham crackers)
- sweetened condensed milk
- orange zest (optional)
- vanilla extract
- fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Place the dried apricots in a bowl of hot water and soak for about 10 minutes, until softened. Drain thoroughly.
- In a food processor, combine the soaked apricots, desiccated coconut, crushed biscuits, condensed milk, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Blend the mixture until it forms a sticky, cohesive texture.
- Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form bite-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in a shallow dish of desiccated coconut until completely coated.
- Place the balls on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh mint leaves for a festive presentation.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20–24 balls.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nutty version: Add finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or cashews to the mixture for crunch and added flavor.
- Sugar-free: Omit the condensed milk and use dates or honey as a binder.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Chocolate dipped: Dip half of each ball in melted dark chocolate and let it set for an elegant finish.
- Tropical flavor: Add a few pieces of dried pineapple or mango for an extra fruity touch.
storage/reheating
Store the coconut apricot balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
No reheating is needed—these are best served chilled.
FAQs
Are these coconut apricot balls healthy?
They are naturally sweetened with dried fruit and contain healthy fats from coconut, making them a more wholesome treat than many traditional desserts.
Can I make them without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients and mix by hand, though the texture may be less uniform.
What type of biscuits should I use?
Plain tea biscuits or graham crackers work well. Avoid overly sweet or flavored varieties to maintain balance.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes. Replace condensed milk with coconut cream or a thick nut butter mixed with a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, chilling helps them firm up and improves their texture. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Can I use other dried fruits?
Certainly. Dried figs, dates, or mangoes can be used alone or in combination with apricots.
Are they gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free biscuits.
Can children help make these?
Absolutely. This recipe is great for kids, as it involves no heat and simple rolling steps.
How long do they last at room temperature?
They can be kept out for a few hours during serving, but should be refrigerated for storage.
Can I roll them in something other than coconut?
Yes. Try crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or sesame seeds for different coatings.
Conclusion
No-Bake Coconut Apricot Balls are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, perfect for those seeking a quick, fuss-free dessert. Their no-cook nature makes them ideal for warm days, busy schedules, or family-friendly kitchen projects. Serve them chilled and enjoy the chewy, nutty, and fruity experience in every bite.
Print
No-Bake Coconut Apricot Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 18 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy no-bake coconut apricot balls made with dried apricots, coconut, crushed biscuits, and sweetened condensed milk—rolled in coconut for a simple, elegant, and naturally sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried apricots
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (plus more for coating)
- 1/2 cup crushed biscuits (tea biscuits or graham crackers)
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place dried apricots in a bowl of hot water and soak for 10 minutes until softened. Drain well.
- In a food processor, blend apricots, coconut, crushed biscuits, condensed milk, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract until a sticky, uniform mixture forms.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
- Roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat completely.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can substitute apricots with dates or figs for variation.
- Use unsweetened coconut if preferred to control sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
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