Apricot Coconut Energy Bites

Energy bites are the tastiest way to refuel mid afternoon whilst the hunger pangs come in. As they are so easy to make and last for ages, these little balls of goodness are really having a moment. So long as you have a couple hundred grams of nuts or seeds, dried fruit and some flavourful "superfoods", you're in. There must be so many different recipes out there, covering a whole spectrum of diets, nutrient profiles, flavours...... However, I am pretty keen on my apricot and coconut flavoured bites, particularly good if you ever want a break from basing your healthy snacks on gooey dates (although really, can you?). I heard somewhere, possibly from Ella Woodward at the Oxford Union talk, that freezing energy bites is a good way to keep them out of sight and therefore sightly reduces the amount you eat in a day! With snacks so moreish, this is definitely a tip I'll be taking into account...

I've given in (for breakfasts and raw snacks at least) and started using cup measurements. For proper baking and cooking, I much prefer using actual grams, but for flexible recipes like these, volume measurements are considerably easier. If you don't have dates, you can just use a whole cupful of dried apricots. Medjool dates are best, but if you don't have them, soak whichever dates you do have in warm water for ten minutes.


Apricot and Coconut Energy Bites

• 2/3 cup almonds
• 2/3 cup walnuts
• 3/4 cup apricots
• 1/4 cup dates
• 2 tbsp desiccated coconut, plus extra for dusting.
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, softened
• Optional - honey/date syrup, to taste

In a food processor, blend with almonds and walnuts until they form a fine powder. Add the apricots and dates, followed by the desiccated coconut, chia seeds and coconut oil. Add the honey for flavour or to make the mix stickier. The mix should just come together when pressed. Using a tablespoon as a measure, roll the mix into ball, and cover in the desiccated coconut. Allow to both set and then store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

These bites taste so lovely and can be adapted really easily based on what you have. To boost your protein content, add a tablespoon or two of protein powder or hemp powder. I really like the blend of almonds and walnuts (a nice mix of protein and omega-3 and 6) but use whichever nuts you have to hand. Let me know what you think if you give these a go!