Date Dried Apricot Almond Bites
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & KaΓ―na) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Chewy no-bake bites of dates, dried apricots and almond meal, a naturally sweet pocket snack packed with potassium and carbs.
Chewy, sweet, and ready to go. Dates, dried apricots, and almond meal press into bite-sized balls that travel well β a naturally sweet pocket snack packed with potassium and carbs.
π₯ Ingredients
- π« 1 cup (200g) pitted dates
- π« 3/4 cup (120g) dried apricots
- π« 1/2 cup (50g) almond meal
- π« Pinch of ground cinnamon
- π« 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- π« 2 tablespoons (30ml) water, as needed
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
π¨βπ³ Instructions
If the apricots are very firm, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Blend the dates and apricots into a sticky paste, stopping to scrape down the sides.
Add the almond meal, cinnamon and lemon juice and pulse until combined.
Roll the mixture into 16 even balls, adding water a teaspoon at a time if it crumbles.
Chill for 15 minutes to firm them up.
β οΈ Common Mistakes
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Blending dry apricots without soaking, leaving brittle pieces through the bites.
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Over-processing until the mixture releases oil and becomes greasy.
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Skipping the chilling step, leaving the balls soft and messy in a pocket.
π Variations
Add a pinch of cardamom for a warmer spice.
Roll the finished bites in cocoa powder for a mocha touch.
Use pistachio meal instead of almond for a green, slightly saltier coating.
π§ Storage
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Store airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.
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Portion two balls into small bags for easy grab-and-go fueling.
π‘ Chef Tips
Tip 1: Add water just a teaspoon at a time so the paste never turns into soup.
Tip 2: Roll with slightly damp hands for a smooth, even surface.
Tip 3: Process the dried fruit in batches so the blades do not stall.
β FAQ
How many balls make a serving? Two balls, providing about 170kcal and a fast dose of natural carbs.
Are they suitable for vegans? Yes, they use only fruit, almond meal and spice.
Do apricot bites last for a long ride? Packed in a sealed bag they hold up well for hours.
Are they gluten-free? Yes, there is no wheat or gluten anywhere in the recipe.
π Related Recipes
About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. KaΓ―na brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy β