Apricot Balls Recipe

These soft apricot and coconut balls contain crushed peanuts, chunks of fluffy marshmallow, and finely chopped white chocolate. For optimum flavour, we remove the apricot balls from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.

Preparation time: about 30 minutes

Makes about 36 balls (3 centimetre diameter).

125g Nice biscuits (we use Arnott's brand)
125g dried apricots
60g (2/3 cup) finely chopped white marshmallows
30g (2 1/2 tablespoons) crushed nuts (peanuts)
20g (1/4 cup) desiccated coconut
40g (1/4 cup) finely chopped white chocolate
220g (2/3 cup) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla essence)
80g (1 cup) desiccated coconut, for rolling

Place biscuits and dried apricots in a food processor. Process on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds, or until biscuits are finely crushed and apricots are very finely chopped. Transfer biscuit and apricot mixture to a large bowl. © exclusivelyfood.com.au

If you don't have a food processor, crush the biscuits in a blender or place the biscuits in a plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin until they are finely crushed. Place biscuit crumbs in a large bowl. Very finely chop the apricots and add to the bowl with the biscuit crumbs.

Add marshmallows, nuts, 20g coconut, and white chocolate to the biscuit mixture and stir until well combined. Separate any clumps of marshmallow to ensure the marshmallow is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Add combined condensed milk and vanilla to the bowl, and stir until well combined.

Place extra 80g of coconut in a medium bowl. Roll mixture into balls and then coat with coconut.

Place apricot balls in a single layer in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

If you would prefer to make a larger number of apricot balls (approximately 60 balls) and use the whole can of condensed milk, the quantities are as below.

220g Nice biscuits (we use Arnott's brand)
220g dried apricots
105g (1 cup, lightly packed) finely chopped white marshmallows
55g (1/3 cup, firmly packed) crushed nuts (peanuts)
35g (scant 1/2 cup) desiccated coconut
70g (scant 1/2 cup) finely chopped white chocolate
1 395g can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (1 teaspoon natural vanilla essence)
120g (1 1/2 cups) desiccated coconut, for rolling

Christmas gift idea: Wrap apricot balls in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon. © www.exclusivelyfood.com.au