Pumpkin Energy Bites – these little energy bites are perfect snacks for before or after the gym, or when a sweets craving hits. They are no-bake, gluten-free, vegan-&-paleo-friendly and taste deliciously like autumn.
We are currently on vacation in Cambodia, but as promised, I scheduled some of my most popular recipes from my collaboration with eBay to share with you while we are gone.
If you’ve been following Leelalicious for a while, you know how much I like to make healthier desserts and treats.
Until recently, that was mainly for myself and for you, my fellow healthy treat lovers. Konrad, my husband, doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth (anymore) and I didn’t really give Olivia many sweet, dessert-like foods.
Healthy Snacks are Crucial!
But now my baby is turning into an independent toddler (waahh…too fast!) who keenly observes everything I eat and will often demand her share of it. So if I wasn’t already inclined to watch what I eat and eat healthy, real food – now I have an even bigger motivator.
Having healthy little snacks like these Pumpkin Energy Bites handy for me and Olivia, is crucial when those snack cravings hit. My little munchkin loves these and I love giving her snacks that I know are made of only wholesome ingredients!
Bake These Pumpkin Energy Bites Like a Pro
Because I love writing about cooking for you, I thought I would add in a couple of reminders for preparing these like a pro. Firstly, definitely soak the dates so that your food processor will blend them. Otherwise, they’ll stay in large pieces and nobody wants that.
Secondly, there are so many options with these puppies. For example, use pecans or walnuts instead of cashews if you like those better and for a different flavor profile. Also, feel free to roll them in, say, cocoa powder instead of desiccated coconut if you please! Crushed cookie (watch the calories), toffee, and pepitas are also great ideas for rolling them in! As such, enjoy making your batch and get creative!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Energy Bites
Pumpkin Energy Bites - these little energy bites are perfect snacks for before or after the gym, or when a sweets craving hits. They are no-bake, gluten-free, vegan-&-paleo-friendly and taste deliciously like autumn.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates pitted
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- coconut desiccated; optional
Instructions
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Soak the dates in water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and add to a food processor.
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Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, + salt and process until smooth.
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Add cashew nuts and chia seeds and pulse a few times. The nuts should be coarsely chopped.
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Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes before forming into 16 bites. Optionally, roll each energy bite in desiccated coconut.
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Store in the fridge or freezer.
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Sarah Jane
I can’t wait to give this a try, it sounds delicious. I’m also going to try your pumpkin spice vegan ice cream. Thanks for the tips.
Jennifer @ Leelalicious
Thanks for your comment, Sarah Jane! Let us know how the pumpkin energy bites and pumpkin spice ice cream work out for you. 🙂
Charlotte
Sounds great! Do you think something other than pumpkin puree can be used? Say, apple puree? 🙂
Regina
I haven’t tried anything but pumpkin, but maybe with apple sauce an apple pie version could be made? In that case I would use apple pie spices as well. Cardamom especially pairs so well with apples.