If you are after a healthy no-bake treat full of nutrients, refined sugar-free, and add some vegetables to your day, try these no-bake pumpkin energy bites.
What Are Pumpkin Energy Balls?
These pumpkin pie energy bites are vegan bite-sized raw desserts or snacks made of dates, pumpkin puree, seeds, nuts, and pumpkin spices. They taste like pumpkin pie, but they are healthier for you, packed with healthy fats from seeds and nuts. Also, they contain a lot of nutrients, fiber, and protein to keep you full and energized.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s see what you need to prepare this nutrient-dense energy bites recipe.
Pure Pumpkin Puree – You can use fresh or canned puree. If canned, make sure it is 100% natural, with no additives. Learn how to make your own pumpkin puree. Dates – Pitted Medjool dates work best as they are softer. If you plan to use Deglet Noor dates, you can soak them for a few minutes in hot water to soften, drain them well, and add them to the recipe. Maple Syrup – to sweeten the balls. Pecans – or walnuts. I like to roast the nuts to add flavor. To do so, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake until fragrant – for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool down before using it in the recipe. Old-Fashioned rolled oats – choose gluten-free certified if desired or replace them with millet flakes if you are sensitive to oats. Chia Seeds – You can use black or white chia seeds interchangeably. Cinnamon and Pumpkin Pie Spices – for perfect fall flavors. Vanilla Extract – to add more flavor.
How To Make Pumpkin Energy Balls
These no-bake Pumpkin Energy Bites are the fastest to make. All you need is 5 minutes, a food processor, and a few simple ingredients
Preparation
Coating
This is optional, but for flavor and a little extra sweetness I like to drizzle melted vegan white chocolate on top of the energy bites. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the vegan white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted. Drizzle the chocolate on top of the energy bites and place the plate in the freezer to set the chocolate.
Allergy Swaps
Below are some ingredient swap ideas if you need:
Nut-Free – Replace the pecans with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp hearts. White Chocolate – You can drizzle melted dark chocolate chips on top or roll the balls into unsweetened desiccated coconut. Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free certified oat brand. Medjool Dates – Any soft, dried, and pitted date variety works. If your dates are dry or not moist, soak them in boiled water for 10 minutes, drain them, and use them in the recipe. Chia Seeds – You can use flax meal instead, or leave it out.
Storage Instructions
You can keep the balls at room temperature. Energy balls are raw vegan snacks that store very well at room temperature for three days in a cookie jar. However, if you plan to store them longer, place the balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They will store for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the pumpkin balls in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge the day before serving. Here are my answers to your most common questions about this recipe.
