As the leaves begin to don their vibrant hues and the crisp air carries the unmistakable scent of fall, there's no better time to indulge in the cozy flavors of the season. Introducing my scrumptious Pumpkin Balls – a delectable fusion of autumnal goodness and wholesome ingredients that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. This easy-to-make treat combines the rich essence of pumpkin with the nutty goodness of almonds, pecans, and walnuts, all sweetened with a touch of maple syrup and elevated with the warmth of pumpkin spice. These bite-sized delights not only satisfy your sweet cravings but also offer a nourishing bite of nature's bounty.
No bake balls
The holidays are almost here and it doesn’t really matter what holiday you celebrate - Hanukkah or Christmas or even both of them, you will probably meet with friends and family which means you need some treats to offer if you are hosting or to give as a gift. These easy to make energy balls are your solution, you don’t need to turn on the oven and they are really quick and easy to make. An added bonus is that they are gluten free and vegan so they can fit even more guests and friends on certain diets. That’s a win-win!
These pumpkin balls can also serve as a delicious on-the-go breakfast or a pre/post workout snack when you need a sweet bite of energy!
Energy balls with dates
Energy balls or bliss balls is a general name for a little, sweet and healthy snack that includes seeds, nuts and usually doesn’t require baking. I like to include dates in my energy balls because they help stick everything together and add flavor.
These pumpkin energy balls are super delicious and you can control their sweetness by adding less or more maple syrup. In addition to the maple syrup, my pumpkin bliss balls contain pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, pecans, walnuts, almond meal and as I mentioned, dates. For the topping of the balls, I added sesame seeds and flax seeds. You can change the topping to a different seed or shredded coconut, cocoa powder, matcha, and more. It’s really up to you and your taste buds!
FAQS
While this recipe calls for pumpkin puree, you can use freshly cooked and mashed pumpkin as a substitute. Just ensure that the pumpkin is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Absolutely! The sweetness of the Pumpkin Balls can be adjusted to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of maple syrup or even try using alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
If you have nut allergies, you can experiment with seed-based alternatives. Consider using sunflower seed meal or ground pumpkin seeds instead of almond meal. Additionally, you can swap the pecans and walnuts with chopped dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Store your Pumpkin Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.
These balls are vegan and gluten free.
Absolutely! The sesame and flax seed coating provides a nice crunch and earthy flavor, but you can certainly get creative with toppings. Crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can be used to coat the Pumpkin Balls.
Pumpkin Balls make for a versatile snack. Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up, a sweet addition to your breakfast, or even as a dessert. They can also be a charming addition to your holiday spread or a thoughtful homemade gift.
These Pumpkin Balls are not only delicious but also highly customizable, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with the recipe and make it your own!
The official season to add pumpkin in every dish is almost coming to an end by now but I wanted to use some leftover pumpkin puree and that’s how I created this recipe. If you need more ideas for pumpkin puree usage, check out my pumpkin recipe index.
If you are looking for more little treat recipes then make sure to check out the individual dessert recipe index or if you need Hanukkah recipes. If you need more edible gift ideas, my homemade edible gifts post is perfect!
Other recipes to try:
Make these pumpkin balls today!
Whether you're seeking a guilt-free snack, a charming addition to your autumn gatherings, or simply a way to celebrate the beauty of the season, these Pumpkin Balls are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, let your creativity flow as you shape these delectable bites, and savor the taste of fall with every delightful bite. Get ready to fall in love with autumn all over again, one Pumpkin Ball at a time.
Pumpkin Balls
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup almond meal
- ¼ cup pecans
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 8 pitted dates
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon flax seeds
Instructions
- In a blender, blend all ingredients together to form a unified batter.
- With your hands, create small balls and roll them on a plate with the sesame and flax seeds to coat fully.
- Place the balls on a plate.
- Place the plate in the fridge to set for 15 minutes.
- Enjoy this sweet treat and happy holidays!
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