Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls With Dates And Toasted Oats
These pumpkin spice energy balls are made with toasted steel-cut oats, Medjool dates, raisins, cashews, pecans, and pumpkin pie spice. Chilled, they become slightly chewy and nougat-like with a natural caramel-like flavor. They’re gluten-free with gluten-free oats, easy to make vegan, and perfect for snacking or a festive holiday treat.
Servings: 25 energy balls
Calories: 96kcal
Equipment
- 1 high-speed blender or food processor For blending the mixture smooth. A Vitamix with a tamper works well for this thick mixture.
- 1 saucepan For toasting the oats.
- 1 cookie scoop or tablespoon For portioning even balls.
- 1 Large Bowl For cooling the mixture before rolling.
- airthight containers and parchment papers For storing in layers.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons pure butter (I love Kate's Creamery 100% pure butter), or coconut butter/oil (to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly) 70 grams
- 1 cup gluten-free steel-cut oats 160 grams
- 2 ½ teaspoons Pumpkin Pie spice or cinnamon spice
- ½ cup whole cashews 70 grams
- ½ cup pecans 80 grams
- ½ cup black (jumbo) raisins 90 grams
- 10 fresh, pitted Medjool dates (about one cup packed) 235 grams
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Stir in the oats and combine them with butter or coconut oil.4 tablespoons pure butter (I love Kate's Creamery 100% pure butter), or coconut butter/oil (to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly), 1 cup gluten-free steel-cut oats
- Cook the oats for about 5 to 7 minutes, frequently stirring, or until they are lightly toasted (you can hear the oats pop a little at the end.)
- Stay with the oats because they can burn quickly! Remove the pan from the stove. Allow the oats to cool a little.
- In a blender (or food processor), add the toasted oats, then the spice, nuts, raisins, and dates. Blend until you have a smooth brownish mixture.2 ½ teaspoons Pumpkin Pie spice , ½ cup whole cashews, ½ cup pecans, ½ cup black (jumbo) raisins, 10 fresh, pitted Medjool dates (about one cup packed)
- If using a Vitamix, blend on high speed while using the tamper to push the mixture toward the blades. Continue blending until it turns into a smooth, rich brown consistency. The tamper will help move the thick mixture evenly through the blades.
- Take the mixture immediately out of the blender and transfer it into a bowl (be careful, it can be hot).
- When cool enough to handle, roll a spoonful into a small ball and repeat until all mixture is used.
- Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container!
Notes
Storage: They stay well for up to two weeks in the fridge in an airtight container or 3 months in the freezer. Let them sit on the counter for a bit after freezing so they can soften before serving.
Nuts: Instead of cashews or pecans, you can use a medley of nuts you have on hand. Almonds and blanched hazelnuts are a great substitute here. Nut butter can also work, but the texture of the energy balls will be softer rather than chewy.
Nut-free: Sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Spices & flavors: Change it up by using different spices, such as Dutch Speculoos, Chai, apple pie spice, or cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder for a more chocolatey taste.
Medjool dates alternatives: Try dried figs, dried prunes, dried apricots, dried cherries, or raisins only. I love Medjool dates as they give these energy bites a lovely caramel-like taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1energy ball | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 72IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
