Pumpkin Date Balls 3 Ways
on Oct 23, 2017, Updated Sep 26, 2024
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Pumpkin Date Balls are a sweet fall treat that you can feel good about eating. Bonus: There are three fantastic flavor combinations to try!
I never thought I’d say this, but I LOVE DATES!! They are nature’s candy and packed with amazing fuel for the body. They are loaded with fiber, potassium, and B-vitamins, to name a few. Combine them with a bit of pumpkin and something crunchy and chocolatey – and you’ve got perfection!
While you’re at it, prep a few Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt Cups and make a couple of these Healthy Make-Ahead Snacks so you have them when you need them.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make Pumpkin Date Balls
- Recipe FAQs
- Expert Tips
- How to Store and Serve Pumpkin Pecan Date Balls
- More Healthy Snack Recipes to Consider
- Pumpkin Pecan Date Balls Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Date Balls Recipe
- Melted Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Date Balls Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delicious no-bake pumpkin treat.
- A wonderful treat that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!
- Fun to make with kids (with adult supervision for the food processor).
Recipe Ingredients
- Medjool dates: Getting pitted dates will save you some time removing the pits.
- Pecans: Other nuts will work if you don’t have pecans.
- Pumpkin puree: Can use canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin.
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Pecan halves, mini chocolate chips and/or mini M&Ms: For making the different flavor combinations.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pumpkin Date Balls
Step #1. Put all the ingredients for the date ball recipes you’re making into your food processor and pulse well.
Step #2. Take about 2 tablespoons of the date mixture and roll it into a ball.
Step #3. Garnish according to the variation you are making.
Step #4. Enjoy fresh, or put them into the freezer for a few hours to help them set up.
Recipe FAQs
Medjool dates are the easiest type of date to find in the United States and are what I used in this recipe. They are also sweet and delicious.
Yes! But you must remove the pits or you will end up with hard pieces of pit in the dates balls. Make a slit on the long side of each date with a small paring knife and pop out the pit before putting the date in the food processor.
I like to make them into 2-inch date balls but you could make them small if you would like to make them into smaller portions. Use a cookie scoop so the date balls are consistent in size.
Expert Tips
- Make a double the batch. This recipe makes between 8 and 10 balls (about 2 inch diameter) and you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- You can use whatever nuts you have on hand! I tried each recipe using different nuts and found that they all have a similar taste. Almonds were more crunchy while the pecans were a bit softer.
- To help the date balls set up, you can put them in the freezer for a few hours and then enjoy them or store them in the fridge.
- Use a #30 cookie scoop (which holds a little more than 2 tablespoons) to make the pumpkin date balls more consistent in size.
How to Store and Serve Pumpkin Pecan Date Balls
Serve pumpkin date balls with a dollop of homemade greek yogurt for a light and healthy snack. Serve alongside one of my 8 simple smoothie recipes, pumpkin protein smoothie or smoothie bowl for an energy-packed breakfast. Be sure to also try my 8 no-bake oatmeal energy balls or 9 date energy balls recipes.
Store pumpkin date balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and firm. Freeze the date balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick snack.
More Healthy Snack Recipes to Consider
Breakfast Recipes
Protein Shakes
Snacks
Breakfast Bars
Breakfast Recipes
Chia Seed Pudding
From Scratch Recipes
Celery Juice
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Pumpkin Pecan Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ½ cup pecans, plus 12 pecans for topping
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Toss the dates, pecans, pumpkin, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into your food processor and pulse.
- Roll into balls (I like larger 2-inch balls), or use an ice cream scoop.
- Top with a pecan by gently pressing one into each ball.
- Enjoy fresh, or slide them into the freezer for a few hours. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- You can use canned pumpkin puree or cook a fresh pumpkin in a crockpot (my personal favorite pumpkin to use in these date balls).
- You can substitute almonds for pecans if you want – they are a bit crunchier but still really good.
- If you prefer your nuts to be more finely ground, put them in the food processor first and pulse them a few times into small pieces then the nuts will become even smaller when you add the rest of the ingredients.
- This is my favorite food processor if you don’t have one or are in the market for a new one.
Nutrition
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ½ cup almonds
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or M&Ms
Instructions
- Toss the dates, almonds, pumpkin, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into your food processor and pulse.
- Roll into balls (I like larger 2-inch balls), or use an ice cream scoop.
- Dip the ball into a bowl with the mini chocolate chips. Using fingers, gently press them into the ball.
- Enjoy fresh, or slide them into the freezer for a few hours. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- You can use canned pumpkin puree or cook a fresh pumpkin in a crockpot (my personal favorite pumpkin to use in these date balls).
- You can use another nut like pecans in these and they will still turn out.
- Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want these date balls to be dairy-free or vegan.
- If you prefer your nuts to be more finely ground, put them in the food processor first and pulse them a few times into small pieces then the nuts will become even smaller when you add the rest of the ingredients.
- This is my favorite food processor if you don’t have one or are in the market for a new one.
Nutrition
Melted Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Date Balls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, plus extra for drizzling or dipping
- ½ teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and shiny. Add 2 tablespoons melted chocolate to the food processor.
- Add the dates, cashews, pumpkin, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor and pulse.
- Roll into balls (I like larger 2-inch balls), or use an ice cream scoop.
- Drizzle the remaining chocolate on top of the date balls, or dip them in the chocolate.
- Enjoy fresh, or slide them into the freezer for a few hours. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- You can use canned pumpkin puree or cook a fresh pumpkin in a crockpot (my personal favorite pumpkin to use in these date balls).
- You can melt the chocolate in a double boiler if you want. The microwave is a bit faster.
- Be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want these date balls to be dairy-free or vegan.
- If you prefer your nuts to be more finely ground, put them in the food processor first and pulse them a few times into small pieces then the nuts will become even smaller when you add the rest of the ingredients.
- This is my favorite food processor if you don’t have one or are in the market for a new one.
Punctually challenged….everyone who knows me calls it Debbie Time….and I refuse to wear a watch! Gonna try these, cuz, hey, chocolate! Thanks!