Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we all know what that means… pumpkin pie. It is a staple this time of year, but it’s often packed with tons of sugar. Shocker… it’s pie. So instead, you can get your whole fam bam eating clean with the kick-off of the holiday season, by making these Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls. These delicious, clean treats include both pumpkin seeds and pumpkin puree, to give you so many pumpkin-ey benefits.
Did you know that pumpkin seeds are particularly high in copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus? “But how does that benefit me?,” you ask. These trace minerals are known for helping strengthen bones, and magnesium has gained great traction recently for its benefits in helping decrease anxiety and muscle tension. And then there’s pumpkin puree… rich in Vitamin A to help those peepers. So your taste buds will love these balls and so will your body!
PLUS if you really want to amp these guys up, smother them in some fresh whipped cream and you will have your family whole-heartedly convinced that there’s no need for the sugar-laden pie in future years… as long as you bring a few batches of these 😉
Tastes like the real thing, but far healthier - gluten, dairy and refined sugar free!
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup salted cashews
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until a doughy ball forms. (Suggestion: start by blending the oats and nuts into a flour, then add all other ingredients.)
Place dough in the refrigerator for a couple hours to slightly harden and then roll into balls.
Serve with fresh whipped cream and you'll think you're eating an actual piece of pumpkin pie 😉
I’ve gotten some questions recently about the best place to buy dates, as y’all have now seen them in a few of my energy ball recipes! I love buying my dates at Costco, because you can get a great quantity for a good price, but they can also often be found in the bulk section (Fresh Thyme has great dates) or produce section of the grocery store. If you have a few leftover dates try smothering them in almond butter and just eating them straight up (be careful of the pit) – it’s the easiest, tastiest snack that is great for quick energy from the dates while stabilizing your blood sugar with the added fats from the nut butter. Sounds like you have a date with some dates 😉
Loving this energy ball recipe? Want more? I gotchu boo.
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