These no-bake pumpkin balls are a healthy and portable snack with no added sugar. They’re super easy to make and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes! Perfect for when those pumpkin pie cravings kick in! {Vegan, gluten-free & paleo}
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Pumpkin Date Energy Balls
It’s the season of all things pumpkin, and these no-bake pumpkin balls are one of my favourite ways to enjoy all of those autumn flavours!
Super easy to make, these pumpkin bites are a great healthy snack choice and perfect for a mid afternoon pick me up. I like to make a batch of these on a Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. They’re great for both kids and adults!
Rolled in chopped nuts, they are full of flavour and texture and are the perfect way to get your pumpkin spice fix!
For more pumpkin recipes, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Cake with Applesauce and Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins.
Why Make this Recipe
- Natural ingredients – They contain no processed ingredients and are full of healthy fats and fibre from the nuts and dates.
- No-bake – These pumpkin bites come together quickly and easily and you don’t even have to turn your oven on!
- Make ahead – They keep really well, and are a great convenient snack to have on hand for the week. Once you’ve made up a batch, it’s just grab and go!
- Gluten and dairy free – This snack is a great option if you or anyone in your family have intolerances and they are also vegan friendly.
- No added sugar – these pumpkin balls contain no added sugar since they’re naturally sweetened with dates! No worries though, they are plenty sweet and delicious! You don’t even miss that added sugar!
Ingredient Notes
Dates – Use softer pitted dates for best results. You can use Medjool dates or regular dates. Soak them in boiling water before blending if they’re too hard to blend.
Nuts – I used a combination of raw walnuts and pecans, but feel free to sub in your favourite nuts. You can also try replacing the nuts with seeds if you need to make them nut-free.
Pumpkin Puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, either canned or fresh. Be careful not to get the pumpkin pie filling. The can looks very similar to the pumpkin puree, but the filling contains quite a bit of added sugar.
Seasonings – I used pumpkin pie spice and pure vanilla extract. The spice adds all of those wonderful fall flavours and the vanilla helps to sweeten the balls.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Add the walnuts, pecans and pumpkin pie spice to the processor and pulse until the nuts are uniformly finely chopped (think fresh bread crumb texture.) Pour the nut mixture into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2 – Add half the nut mixture to the food processor with the dates.
Step 3 – Pulse until combined.
Step 4 – Add the other half of the nut mixture and process until the mixture is incorporated and sticks together.
When all of the ingredients have been processed, wet your hands and roll into 1-inch balls.
Roll each ball in finely chopped nuts until lightly coated, pressing the nuts lightly into the surface of the balls.
Recipe Tips
- If the dates are too hard to blend, soak them in boiling water for five minutes to soften them and make them easier to blend.
- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, either canned or fresh. Be careful not to get the pumpkin pie filling as this contains quite a bit of added sugar.
- I recommend rolling the energy balls lightly in some additional finely chopped pecans. It adds a bit of crunch and makes for a nicer presentation. You can skip this step if giving these balls to little ones who can’t have chunks of nuts.
- If the energy ball mixture is too wet, add extra nuts to the mixture. If it’s too dry add a bit of water or additional pumpkin puree, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Recipe FAQs
How to store
Once you have made the balls, place them into an airtight container with the layers separated by parchment paper. Store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Can you freeze these energy balls?
Yes, these energy balls freeze really well! Freeze for up to three months in an airtight container separated with parchment paper. You can also freeze them solid on a baking sheet. Once frozen transfer to freezer bags or a freezer-safe container.
How to thaw
You can thaw frozen energy bites at room temperature in about 20 minutes to half an hour. I like to take a couple out of the fridge in the morning so that I have them on hand for a quick and healthy snack later on in the day. You can also eat them partially frozen for a refreshing treat!
More No-Bake Snack Recipes
- Halloween Popcorn Balls Recipe
- No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls
- Nut-Free Apple Oat Energy Bites
- No-Bake Carrot Cake Energy Bites
- No-Bake Apple Pie Cups
- 4-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
No-Bake Pumpkin Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tbsp 100% pure pumpkin puree
For rolling (optional):
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Fit a food processor with a metal blade. Add the walnuts, pecans and pumpkin pie spice to the processor and pulse until the nuts are uniformly finely chopped (think fresh bread crumb texture.) Pour the nut mixture into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Next, add half the nut mixture to the food processor with the dates and pulse until combined. Add the other half of the nut mixture and process until the mixture is incorporated and sticks together. If you find that the mixture is having trouble breaking down, add one tablespoon of water or pumpkin puree at a time until the mixture adheres together but isn't too sticky. If it's too wet, add some additional nuts.
- When all of the ingredients have been processed, wet your hands and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in finely chopped nuts until lightly coated, pressing the nuts lightly into the surface of the balls.
Notes
- If the dates are too hard to blend, soak them in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften them and make them easier to blend.
- Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, either canned or fresh. Be careful not to get the pumpkin pie filling as this contains quite a bit of added sugar.
- I recommend rolling the energy balls lightly in some additional finely chopped pecans. It adds a bit of crunch and makes for a nicer presentation.
- If the energy ball mixture is too wet, add extra nuts to the mixture. If it's too dry add a bit of water or additional pumpkin puree, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in September 2015, but was updated in September 2020 to include better photos and recipe tips.
Nevermind! Sorry, misread. I see that all the ingredient should go in the food processor. :) looking forward to making this!!
Glad you figured it out Jennifer! That’s right..soak the dates and then throw all of the ingredients into a food processor to form a paste. And then roll those little babies up! Enjoy!!
Are the dates supposed to be chopped? If so, before or after soaking in the water?
Oh, these look delicious! We have been eating lots of energy bits around our house lately and I’m loving the addition of pumpkin in these. Happening at our house asap!
Thanks so much Jessica! The pumpkin adds a nice little autumn twist :) Let me know how it goes!
these sound fantastic! we usually have at least a couple balls, bites, or bars on hand for snacks… these might be next!
Thanks Kristina! Yes definitely add these to your recipe roundup! Great fall treat!