Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 8 ounces or 10-12 large dates)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup toasted pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed meal
- 2 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (plus additional 1-3 teaspoons as desired)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon maple flavor (optional)
Instructions
- Soften Dates: If the Medjool dates are dry or hard, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften. Then drain and pat dry to prepare for processing.
- Process Dates: Transfer the prepared dates to a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until the dates break down into small pieces and form a sticky, cohesive ball.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the oats, toasted pecans, pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, chia seeds (or flaxseed meal), pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, maple flavor if using, and kosher salt to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is combined with oats and nuts broken down to small, similar-sized pieces but not completely smooth for texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture and add 1-3 additional teaspoons of maple syrup if a sweeter flavor is desired. Pulse again briefly to incorporate.
- Chill Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Shape Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into 12 equal-sized balls using your hands.
- Store Properly: Place the formed energy balls in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, enjoy directly or allow a few minutes to soften before eating.
Notes
- Soaking the dates ensures they blend smoothly and helps bind the mixture.
- Use old fashioned rolled oats for best texture; quick oats might result in a mushier ball.
- Toasted pecans add a nice crunch and deeper flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves; adjust to taste or substitute with individual spices.
- Maple flavor extract adds extra depth but is optional.
- Energy balls keep well refrigerated or frozen for convenient grab-and-go snacks.
- These are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
