Vegan Pumpkin & Date Energy Balls: A Sweet & Healthy Snack

Have you ever craved something sweet, but wanted it to be healthy too? That’s exactly where these Vegan Pumpkin & Date Energy Balls come in.

They’re one of my go-to snacks when I need a quick energy boost that’s both delicious and nourishing. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, these energy balls are a perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall while staying true to a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon or something to fuel you before a workout, these energy balls are an excellent option that you can feel good about eating.

What I love most about these energy balls is how easy they are to make and how adaptable they are. You can dress them up in so many different ways depending on your taste or even what you have in your pantry.

Plus, they’re naturally sweetened with dates, which means no refined sugar — just pure, wholesome sweetness. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like, and they always turn out absolutely delicious.

They’re great for meal prep too, as you can easily make a big batch and store them for whenever you need a sweet, healthy snack.

The Recipe: Pumpkin & Date Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prep the Dates: If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain them well. This will help them blend more easily and give the energy balls a smoother texture.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the dates, pumpkin puree, almond butter, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the processor a couple of times to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Add the Oats: Add in the rolled oats and pulse until they are well combined, creating a sticky mixture that holds together easily. The oats add a nice texture and help balance the sweetness of the dates, making these energy balls a satisfying snack.
4. Form into Balls: Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. This process can be a bit sticky, so you can lightly wet your hands with water to make it easier.
5. Coat and Chill: Roll the balls in your favorite coating (more on that below!), then place them in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Chilling them helps them firm up and enhances the flavors.

Shredded Coconut

If you’re like me and love coconut, rolling these energy balls in unsweetened shredded coconut is a must. It adds a lovely texture and a bit of tropical flair that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and dates.

The slight chewiness of the coconut complements the soft interior of the energy balls, making each bite even more satisfying.

Chopped Nuts

For a little extra crunch, try rolling the energy balls in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

The nutty coating gives them a nice contrast of texture and adds healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer. Plus, the roasted flavor of the nuts adds a rich, warm element that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

Cocoa Powder

If you’re a chocolate lover, dusting the energy balls in cocoa powder adds a rich, slightly bitter kick that balances the sweetness from the dates. Plus, it makes these bites taste a little like truffles! You can also mix in a bit of cinnamon or even cayenne pepper with the cocoa powder for a unique twist that adds a bit of warmth and spice.

Vegan Icing Drizzle

For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the energy balls with a simple vegan icing. Just mix together powdered sugar with a little almond milk and a drop of vanilla extract until it reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.

This icing adds a nice contrast to the pumpkin flavor and gives the energy balls a fun, dessert-like twist.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of these Pumpkin & Date Energy Balls is how versatile they are. You can swap out the almond butter for peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

If you want to make them a bit more indulgent, try adding a handful of mini vegan chocolate chips to the mix. You can also experiment with adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and chewiness.

These energy balls are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, a pre-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert. I love to make a batch at the start of the week so I always have a quick snack on hand when the sweet cravings hit.

They’re also great for sharing with friends and family, especially during the holiday season when everyone is looking for healthier treat options.

Another great thing about these energy balls is that they’re super portable. I like to pack a couple in a small container or reusable bag and take them with me when I’m on the go.

Whether I’m heading out for a hike or just running errands, it’s always nice to have a healthy snack within reach. Plus, knowing that they’re homemade makes them even more enjoyable.

Let me know if you give these a try! I’d love to hear about the different toppings or variations you come up with. Feel free to share your creative ideas or any tweaks you made to the recipe — I’m always looking for new inspiration!