Snowy Fruit Balls
Sweet, chewy fruit balls packed with dried fruits and almonds, coated in coconut—perfect as a healthy snack or energy bite for active lifestyles and snack lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor, grind prunes, dates, apricots, almonds, and raisins to a coarse mixture.
- Turn out the mixture into a bowl.
- Add orange juice concentrate and honey or molasses.
- Stir until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in coconut.
- Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a varied texture, consider using a mix of nuts like walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add a bit more honey or use agave syrup. You can also substitute the orange juice concentrate with lemon or apple juice for a different flavor profile. Make sure to pulse the mixture until it’s just coarse, as over-processing can turn it into a paste.
Serving Suggestions
These Snowy Fruit Balls make a fantastic snack or dessert for any occasion. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, and can also be served alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt dip for added creaminess. For a festive touch, consider rolling them in colored coconut or adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder. They are also perfect for a lunchbox treat or healthy party snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Snowy Fruit Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep them from sticking together, you can place parchment paper between layers. These treats can be enjoyed cold; there’s no need to reheat them. If they become too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowy Fruit Balls contains roughly 76 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
Fresh fruit is not recommended for this recipe, as it contains too much moisture and will not bind the mixture properly. Dried fruits like prunes, dates, and apricots are essential for achieving the right texture and sweetness. If you're looking for a substitute, make sure to use other dried fruits, such as figs or cranberries.
Can I make these Snowy Fruit Balls nut-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe nut-free by omitting the almonds. You might want to substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to maintain the texture. Additionally, make sure that any other ingredients used are processed in a nut-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I make these Snowy Fruit Balls vegan?
To make the Snowy Fruit Balls vegan, simply use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey or molasses. Both alternatives provide sweetness without animal products. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy these delicious treats without any adjustments.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).