Dessert Recipes, Recipes, Snack Recipes
Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls (gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, vegan)
These no-bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls combine the beloved flavours of fall with nutrient-dense ingredients for a perfect on-the-go snack any time of year. When I made these on the TV show Talk of the Town, the hosts couldn’t believe they were both delicious AND good for you!
You wouldn’t expect anything different from me, though, would you? I hope not!
A Pumpkin Energy Balls Recipe Worth Sharing
Back in late May, I appeared on the local TV show Talk of the Town to demo this delicious, though decidedly unseasonal, pumpkin energy balls recipe. The response was amazing!
I mentioned on air that the recipe was on my blog, but in the excitement of my television debut, I completely forgot that I hadn’t actually published it yet.
Flying high on cloud nine after my first taste of fame (!), posting the recipe slipped my mind entirely. So today, I’m finally sharing these crowd-pleasing pumpkin energy balls with all of you!
Why These Pumpkin Energy Balls Are Special
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines some of my favorite nutritional powerhouses: seeds, nuts, and my life-sustaining coconut. The star ingredient is vitamin A-rich pumpkin, which typically graces farm stands during September, October, and November.
But here’s the secret that makes this recipe perfect for any season: it uses canned pumpkin! No need to wait for fall to enjoy these delightful treats. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the depths of winter, you can satisfy your pumpkin cravings whenever they strike.
These energy balls taste remarkably like pumpkin pie but come without any guilt. They’re not overly sweet, making them perfect for a post-workout boost or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Nutritional Highlights of these Pumpkin Energy Balls
The Magic of Dates
Dates work beautifully as a natural sweetener in this recipe. Beyond their delicious caramel-like flavour, dates offer impressive nutritional benefits. These include:
- Soluble fibre for a happy gut and digestive health
- Slow-releasing sugars that provide sustained energy without crashes
- Significant potassium content that supports metabolism and helps calm the nervous system
- Natural support for muscle contractions, including heart function
You can learn more about the nutritional benefits of dates here.
Pumpkin Power
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! This orange superfood adds:
- Vitamin A for eye health and immune function
- Fibre for digestive health
- Antioxidants that help fight inflammation
- Low calorie, so these treats remain filling and nutrient-dense
Nuts and Seeds
The combination of nuts and seeds provides:
- Healthy fats for brain health and satiety
- Plant-based protein for muscle recovery
- Essential minerals like magnesium and zinc
- Satisfying crunch and texture variation
Ultra-Versatile Energy Balls Recipe
The “dough” for these pumpkin energy balls is wonderfully flexible. You can:
- Roll them into traditional bite-sized balls
- Shape them into bars for another portable snack option
- Freeze them for later use
- Toss 2-3 in your gym bag (they’ll defrost by the time you’re done exercising!)
Your info is safe with me. I will guard it with my life and promise no spam, ever. I genuinely hate it as much as you do!
So, I’m finally posting this pumpkin energy balls recipe!
Hot summer weather or not, you can decide whether you can wait for pumpkins to be back in season or not to make this pumpkin energy balls recipe.
(Here’s a secret: it uses canned pumpkin so you don’t need to deprive yourself, if you don’t want to – just saying!)
Here’s the Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls recipe:
Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pecans preferably raw & organic
- ¾ cup cashews preferably raw & organic
- 8 large honey dates or about ¼ cup finely diced dates
- 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp real vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- For rolling: ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions
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An hour before you’re ready to start, soak the pecans, cashews and dates separately in containers in lukewarm water*.
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After an hour, drain the nuts and dates. Chop the nuts roughly. Chop the dates finely. Add these to a food processor with the pumpkin, ½ cup coconut, spices, vanilla and salt.
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Pulse 3-4 times or until the mixture starts to come together. If it isn’t “sticking”, add 1-2 Tbsp of water to help it along.
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Spread the ¼ cup of shredded coconut on a plate.
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Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls (I use a mini ice cream scoop for this). Roll the balls in the shredded coconut.
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Refrigerate the balls for at least 20 minutes to let them firm up. The balls can be kept in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them.
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* If you’re not using raw nuts, you don’t need to soak them. You can just soak the dates.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
These pumpkin energy balls are incredibly versatile:
- For breakfast: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a quick morning bite
- Post-workout: Enjoy a few energy balls to replenish energy after exercise
- Afternoon snack: Keep a few in your desk drawer for when that 3 PM slump hits
- School lunch: A nut-free version makes a perfect addition to your child’s lunchbox. Simply swap the pecans and cashews for pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds. You can also try replacing a portion with hemp seeds, but the flavour will change. You could also try oats or puffed rice cereal, though the texture will change somewhat. Please note I haven’t made this recipe with these variations, but I believe they will work based on my training and experience as a holistic chef and holistic nutritionist, to varying degrees.
Storage tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Allow frozen balls to thaw for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying
- Bonus tip: have extra canned pumpkin filling? It freezes beautifully.
Season-Proof Pumpkin Goodness
So, whether it’s winter, fall, spring, or summer where you are, you can make these pumpkin pie energy balls the next time your craving for pumpkin becomes unbearable. They’re nutritious, delicious, and ready whenever you are!
Have you tried making energy balls before?
What’s your favourite flavour combination for healthy on-the-go snacks? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Life is a plate… Eat up,
Ashleigh
I saw your recipe on the FBC roundup. I’ll have to make them, looks so good.
Terrific Helene. Let me know how you like them!
Pingback: The Great Pumpkin Recipe Roundup – Part 1 | Food Bloggers of Canada
Just had a class today with Ashleigh at Apple A Day Naturopathic Walk-in Clinic and these were beyond amazing!!
Thank you so much for coming, Su! Hope to see you again soon.