These no-bake pumpkin date balls are a healthy and portable snack with no added sugar, relying on tender, chewy dates instead. They’re super easy to make, only require a handful of healthy ingredients, and are ready in less than 20 minutes! Perfect for when those pumpkin pie cravings kick in! {Vegan, gluten-free & paleo}
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No Bake Pumpkin Balls
It’s the season of all things pumpkin, and these pumpkin date balls are one of my favorite ways to enjoy all those autumn flavors!
The dates sweeten the pumpkin puree, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor that makes these no-bake pumpkin energy balls taste more like dessert than a healthy snack. Pop them in the freezer for a great healthy snack you can nibble on any time!
For more pumpkin recipes, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Cake with Applesauce, Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats and Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins.
Why We Love These No Bake Pumpkin Bites
- Wholesome ingredients: They contain no processed ingredients and are full of healthy fats and fiber 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 favorite nuts. You can also try replacing the nuts with seeds if you need to make them nut-free.
Real 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. This adds a nice pumpkin flavor and some extra fiber!
Seasonings: I used pumpkin pie spice and pure vanilla extract. The spice adds all of those wonderful fall flavors and the vanilla helps sweeten the balls.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Date Mixture
- Add the walnuts, pecans and pumpkin pie spice to the food processor and pulse until the nuts are uniformly finely chopped (think fresh bread crumb texture.) Pour the nut mixture into a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the dates, pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the food processor. Process until the dates are broken down.
- Add half the nut mixture to the food processor with the dates. Pulse until combined.
- Add the other half of the nut mixture and process until the mixture is incorporated and sticks together.
Step 2: Roll into Balls
- When all of the ingredients have been processed, wet your hands and roll into 1-inch balls.
Step 3: Coat with Chopped Nuts
- Roll each ball in finely chopped nuts until lightly coated, pressing the nuts lightly into the surface of the balls. Serve or store for later!
Scroll to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Expert 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.
- For easy shaping, use a small cookie dough scoop.
How to store
To refrigerate: 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.
To freeze: 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.
To serve: 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!
Recipe FAQs
If you need to avoid tree nuts, I recommend using sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. You can also use old-fashioned oats, like these nut-free energy balls, but you may need to play with the mixture to get the right amount.
Unfortunately, dates are not interchangeable with other sweeteners. If you used pure maple syrup or a liquid sweetener instead, the mixture would be too wet. You could try raisins instead of dates, but I haven’t personally tested this so let me know how it turns out if you decide to experiment.
Yes! You might want to change the name, but you can replace the pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato or another type of winter squash.
How to Serve
These pumpkin bliss balls are one of our favorite snacks and are the perfect treat for after school! We like to serve them with a little extra protein or fresh fruit on the side, like a cheese stick, yogurt or a sliced apple.
This makes it easier to enjoy just 1-2 energy balls instead of feeling like you need to eat a whole tray!
I also like to eat them with this dairy-free pumpkin spice latte to celebrate pumpkin season. So tasty!
Recipe Variations
- Change the spices: Sub in 1 teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Add some seeds: Make these pumpkin bliss balls even more nourishing by adding a tablespoon of ground flax seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, etc. You won’t be able to taste them at all, and they’ll offer healthy fats, plant-based protein, and extra fiber to keep you full!
- For pumpkin protein balls: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.
- Mix in some extra sweetness: Add some mini dark or white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and crunch.
More No Bake Recipes
- Halloween Popcorn Balls Recipe
- Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- Oatmeal Balls without Peanut Butter
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
No Bake Pumpkin Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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 food 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.
- Add the dates, pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the food processor. Process until the dates are broken down.
- 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 at a time of water or additional pumpkin puree 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. Serve or store for later!
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 October 2024 to include better photos and recipe tips.
I am making these, and have read the directions several times, but do not see when I am supposed to add the pumpkin and vanilla. I am assuming after the dates are processed and when I add the other nuts back in?
I apologize! I forgot to include that step in the recipe card. You add in the pumpkin and vanilla when processing the dates, before adding the nuts back in. I updated the recipe to include that step. Thanks for the heads up and hope you were able to figure it out :)
I see comments and questions, but no one has actually reviewed these snacks. I’d like to make, but concerned they may be too dry. Has anyone made and eaten these? Thanks!
We didn’t find them dry at all! The dates and pumpkin help keep them nice and moist :)
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!