Easy to make, gluten and refined sugar free, these pumpkin energy bites are the perfect little pick-me-up without the guilt.
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Halloween is coming creepily fast (sorry, couldn't resist), and our doorstep is overflowing with pumpkin. It's something both of my kids are pretty excited about. My youngest is pumpkin-spotting everywhere he goes right now, in fact. And that includes our porch.
I'll be happy to have the display pumpkins to cook with too, in due course. In the meantime, I used the last of my previous one with these tasty pumpkin energy bites.
Much as I like the excitement that goes with Halloween, I am less enthusiastic about all the candy that's typical. Some I am fine with - I'm not a complete grinch - but I'm sure I'm not alone in finding it hard to find the right place to draw the line before crazy sugar rush kicks in.
Since I can imagine a plate of veggies isn't going to cut it, I prefer to be a little sneaky in my alternatives. Still sweet, just not overly so, like the chocolate pumpkin pastry twists I shared last month.
How to make pumpkin energy bites
These pumpkin energy bites follow in the footsteps of the carrot cake energy bites I shared a while ago. Their sweetness comes from the dates, but in this case there's a bit of pumpkin in there to keep them seasonal. Some oats, almond flour and chia seeds for good measure and that's pretty much it.
They take literally a couple minutes to whizz together in the food processor, then form them into balls and chill.
Ways to adapt pumpkin energy bites
You could easily add other things into these as you like as well. For example:
- If you prefer them sweeter, try a little maple syrup in there.
- Add some dried cranberries or raisins.
- Swap the almonds for cashews.
However you play around, these pumpkin energy bites are a great quick and easy, guilt-free snack that are as good for Halloween or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
Looking for more healthier seasonal treats? Try these:
- Healthy apple oatmeal cookies
- Healthy pumpkin scones
- Spiced maple cookies
- Plus get more ideas, both sweet and savory, healthier and not so much, in the snack recipes archives.
Pumpkin energy bites
Ingredients
- ¼ cup medjool dates 55g, pitted weight
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree 65g
- ¼ cup oat bran 25g
- ¼ cup quick oats 20g
- ¼ cup almond flour 22g
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Roughly chop the dates and put them in a food processor with the pumpkin. Blend until fairly smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until well mixed. Try not to over-mix as you'll break up the oats which add texture.
- Take roughly 1tbsp spoonfuls at a time from the mixture and roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet or lined plate ad refrigerate until ready to use. They will keep a couple days in the fridge, or you can also freeze them.
Nutrition
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Remember to pin for later!
The Ninja Baker
Bravo for being such a good mom and preparing tasty but healthy treats...Definitely saving your recipe, Caroline. Thank you!
Caroline's Cooking
Thank you, it's not always successful but worth a try!
Christie
I could totally use these in the afternoons at work. They look hearty and delicious.
Caroline's Cooking
They're great as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Sara
I love this healthy alternative to the mounds of candy so prevalent this time of year! Great idea!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Sara, they're absolutely a great alternative!
Laura Dembowski
I love love love energy bites and making pumpkin ones is such a great idea.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Laura, they're a nice easy snack.
Cindy @CindysRecipesAndWritings
I love these flavors together, so great for fall!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Cindy, they really are!
Liz
Can you believe I've never made energy bites??? I think I'm a little scared that I'd eat them ALL in record time. Yours sound wonderful!
Caroline's Cooking
Ha, I can understand that, but you really should give them a try sometime!
Wendy Klik
A healthy sweet treat to try to counteract some of that candy!
Caroline's Cooking
Exactly!