No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls
on Sep 30, 2020, Updated Aug 30, 2024
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These no-bake pumpkin energy balls are easy to make in minutes with just a few basic ingredients for a yummy, healthy pumpkin treat!
With spices, oats, dates, pecans and pumpkin, these sweet bites taste like pumpkin pie! They’re vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, have no added oil and you can whip them up in 10 minutes with 6 ingredients.
Much like these No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls, Apple Pie Energy Balls and Raw Gingerbread Bites, these make a perfect snack for fall! They store well, so try popping them in a lunch box or taking them hiking, travelling or any time you need a snack on-the-go.
Ingredients
- Pecans : Use plain, raw pecans with no added oil or salt. You can mix and match with walnuts.
- Oats: Quick oats or rolled oats both work. Try shredded coconut instead of oats for a variation.
- Dates: Any variety works as long as they’re soft and moist. It’s important to use moist dates so the balls stick together. If your dates are overly dry, soak them (pitted) in hot water for 15 minutes then drain well before using in recipe. Most dates should be fine to use without soaking them though.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use plain canned or homemade pumpkin puree. If you have extra, use it in a Peanut Butter Pumpkin Smoothie, No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Fudge or Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you can’t find pumpkin pie spice I’ve listed the spices you’ll need to make your own in the recipe card below.
- Maple Syrup: Can be subbed with honey (not vegan) or agave syrup.
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Add the pecans and oats to your food processor and process into a coarse, grainy flour.
Step 2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend into a thick, sticky dough you can easily press between your fingers.
If the dough isn’t coming together, which may occur if your dates were too dry, add 1 tsp of warm water and process again. That should do the trick. If not, repeat 1-2 times.
Step 3. Use your hands to roll the dough into about 22 balls.
Roll the balls in a cinnamon coconut sugar mixture or coconut for an extra treat!
How to Store
- Fridge: In an airtight container for up to 1 weeks.
- Freezer: In an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Room Temperature: If you’re taking them to-go, they’re okay out of the fridge for a day or two. Keep cool for best results.
More Energy Balls
- No-Bake Coconut Lime Bites
- Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- Maca Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
- No-Bake Goji Berry Balls
- Chocolate Date Balls
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Scroll down to comment section below to leave your star rating and review.
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No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups raw pecans, 185 g
- 1 cup rolled or quick oats, 100 g
- 1.5 cups packed, soft pitted dates, 330 g
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 60 g
- 1.5 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, see notes
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, 15 mL
Instructions
- Add the oats and pecans to a food processor or blender and mix until broken down into a grainy flour.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough. It should come together in one big ball and you should easily be able to press the dough between your fingers. If it's crumbly, add 1-2 tsp warm water and process again.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into about 22 balls. Option to roll the finished balls in coconut or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published on February 17, 2015.
I would love to make these nut-free – more oats?
I would suggest seeds like raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, or 1 cup seeds and an additional 1/2 cup oats or even a bit of ground flax to help with the moisture from the pumpkin. I haven’t tried them without nuts though so I can’t guarantee how they’ll turn out! Let me know if you try them.