No-Bake Pumpkin Date Energy Balls are a tasty, healthy treat that has the flavor of pumpkin pie! This nutritious recipe is easy to make with nuts, dates, rolled oats, pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, and seasonal spices. The perfect quick snack or breakfast to enjoy on the go!
Pumpkin Date Energy Balls are just what you need for a sweet treat that tastes like a mix of pumpkin pie and soft cookie dough. These make a satisfying snack or tasty dessert, and only take about 10 minutes to whip up! Simply add the 6 key ingredients, plus warm spices to a food processor or blender, pulse, and roll and you have yourself some insanely delicious energy bites.
Meal prep these on Sunday to have a portable, ready-to-go snack that keeps for one week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer!
Ingredients needed
Pumpkin date energy bites are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. When blended together, they have a wonderful texture with the delicious flavor of pumpkin we crave this time of year. Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:
- Nuts: Feel free to use any favorite nut variety! We like cashews, pecans or walnuts.
- Medjool dates: We always recommend Medjool dates for energy ball recipes because they have a rich, caramel-like taste with a soft, chewy texture. Other date varieties, like Deglet Noor, are usually smaller and more firm.
- Oats: For best results use old-fashioned rolled oats and not quick oats or steel-cut oats. Choose gluten-free oats, if needed.
- Pumpkin puree: You’ll need 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for consistency and flavor.
- Pumpkin seeds: Add a boost of antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals.
- Sweetener: Just 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness.
- Flavorings: Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt give these snack balls a warm, cozy flavor.
How to make these Pumpkin Energy Bites recipe
With very little effort, you can have a delicious snack that everyone will love! Here’s how to make them:
- Blend: In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients and pulse until the ingredients are well combined but still chunky and sticky.
- Roll balls: Scoop mixture and roll into 1 tablespoon balls. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge or freezer for later.
Recipe Tip
Consider toasting the nuts to bring out the best flavor. Simply, add nuts to a pan over medium heat, and stir occasionally for 2-5 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding them to the food processor.
Expert Tips
- Tip for rolling the balls: When you start to roll the balls, if you notice the mixture is too sticky, place the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to harden.
- Use leftover pumpkin puree: Looking for ways to use your leftover pumpkin puree? Try our almond flour pumpkin muffins or these wonderful pumpkin banana pancakes!
- Vegan bites: These are completely vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup, not honey.
- Gluten-free bites: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure these are gluten-free.
- Extras: You can mix in mini chocolate chips, raisins or dried cranberries to add even more flavor and texture.
Frequently asked questions
How healthy are energy balls?
Energy balls make a nourishing snack. The ingredients in this recipe are a good balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. They are great to meal prep, portable and easy to grab on the go.
How many energy balls can you eat a day?
Just like any healthy snacks, it is best to eat energy bites in moderation. Depending on size, we recommend eating one to two per day.
When should I eat energy balls?
These are great for a quick boost of energy anytime you’re feeling a bit hungry or need some fuel. Enjoy a couple for a quick breakfast with some fruit, have one for a quick snack in between meals, or have a couple before or after your workout.
Pumpkin Energy Bites Variations
Energy balls and bites are easy to customize and make according to your preferences! Here are some options:
- For the nuts: Any nuts will work – pecans, cashews, or walnuts.
- To sweeten: Choose maple syrup or honey. Because dates are naturally very sweet, you’ll only need to use about 1 tablespoon.
- Seeds: Can’t find pumpkin seeds? Try sunflower seeds!
- For the pumpkin spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, simply add a dash of nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves, or allspice.
Storage recommendations
- Refrigerate: These will keep for one week, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To freeze: Place balls in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. If they get too hard, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.
Pumpkin Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, pecans, or walnuts
- 12 soft pitted Medjool dates, about 1 cup
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients and pulse until the ingredients are well combined but still chunky and sticky.
- Scoop mixture and roll into 1 tablespoon balls (if the balls are too sticky to roll, place in the fridge for 30 minutes to harden).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
