Want to know what to do with that leftover pumpkin puree? Make these energy balls, the perfect on-the-go snack- vegan, gluten and grain free!
I literally woke up on the first day of fall, unaware that it was the first day of fall, to a cool, crisp 60 degrees. Coming from hot and humid Louisiana it was such a welcomed treat. And I immediately wanted all things fall- sweaters, boots, pumpkin and coffee on the porch.
Well it wore off after a couple hours, but it was nice nonetheless.
I actually whipped up these energy balls after making my first-of-the-season pumpkin pancakes. You know when you have that leftover amount that is too much to throw away, but not quite enough to make bread or another batch of pancakes. So energy balls to the rescue. I have never put pumpkin in them, but they turned out just as I imagined…so definitely a good use of the leftover pumpkin.
I love easy, throw-together snacks like this. It uses all my pantry staples, takes minimal effort, involves no real cooking and is a good for you snack!
These energy balls satisfy a sweet-tooth, but provide you with heart healthy fat, protein, fiber and nutrients from the nuts, dates, cranberries and coconut. Real food for the win! Add these to your weekend meal prep because they hold up great in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Then just grab one any time you or the kiddos need a healthy snack.
I find myself eating these for breakfast often as I am busy getting the kids ready.
So tell me, what’s your favorite homemade snack?
[Tweet “Pumpkin Cranberry Spiced Energy Balls- the perfect snack! #glutenfree #vegan via @nutritiouseats”]
- ¾ cup raw unsalted almonds
- ½ cup unsalted cashews
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pitted chopped dates
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- In the bowl of a food processor, add all the ingredients. Start off pulsing, then let the machine run until the nuts are mostly chopped small and the mixture starts to come together. Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out a heaping portion and roll into a ball using your hands. Repeat until the mixture is gone.
For more energy balls check out these recipes:
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough Balls
Jenn - a traveling Wife says
Wow – these look amazing! I am all about anything pumpkin, but who isn’t? I can’t wait to try these!!!
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted..Pumpkin Spiced Broiled Grapefruit
Melanie says
Thanks Jenn. It’s officially pumpkin season!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Love these bites! I’m a huge fan of nuts too.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted..Tomato Peanut Butter Quinoa Soup
Melanie says
Thank you Megan 🙂
Amy says
Hi Melanie! You know I love pumpkin so much! I’ll be making these this week if not today! Happy “Fall” 😊🎃
Melanie says
Happy fall to you dear. Hope all is well in paradise!
Elizabeth says
Melanie! These are fantastic- I seriously love these type of recipes with the extra pumpkin purees. Pinning for later!
Elizabeth recently posted..Comment on Hatch Chile Salsa Verde by Elizabeth Shaw
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfect fall bites! Really, all the flavors of fall in one “bite” 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Soft & Grainless Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Melanie says
Thank you Rebecca. xo
Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose says
I love the pumpkin and cranberry combination!
Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose recently posted..What I Ate This Week: September 20-26
Melanie says
Thanks Lauren!
Kalee @ The Crowded Table says
These look delicious! I have some pumpkin I need to use up now, so I think I’ll be making these tonight 🙂
Kalee @ The Crowded Table recently posted..Savory Cornmeal Waffles
Melanie says
Yay! Enjoy 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado says
now pumpkin and cranberry is one of the best combos ever! these are amazing!
rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted..Sweet Potato Spice Frozen Latte
Melanie says
Thank you Rachel! I agree. 🙂
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
These look amazing! What do you think I can sub for the nuts – I’m allergic 🙁
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..What I learned at ShiftCon 2015
Melanie says
DO you eat sun butter? That might work!
Melanie says
Never mind I was thinking you responded to the Asian slaw. 😉 But you could try a combo of seeds- like sunflowers, hemp hearts, chia, etc. Maybe do more coconut too. I am sorry, I really need to create a nut-free one for you!
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
YUM!! The scenario you mentioned above happens to me WAY too often. I always have an awkward amount of pumpkin puree that I don’t know what to do with. Can’t wait to try these!!
Carly @ FitLiving blog recently posted..Butternut Squash and Quinoa Mason Jar Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
So for realz I am making these this weekend. I have all the ingredients on hand (YAY!) My favorite homemade snacks are dried apple chips. I got a food dehydrator for my birthday and I swear I use it more than any normal person should! 😉
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted..Body Busting Bench Workout
Melanie says
A food dehydrator sounds so fun!