Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup walnuts (2.6 oz total)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process recommended)
- Pinch sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 10 pitted Medjool dates
- 1/4 cup canned or homemade pumpkin purée
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare walnuts: Place 1/3 cup of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until the nuts resemble coarse sand. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside for coating later.
- Grind remaining walnuts: Add the remaining walnuts to the food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the pitted Medjool dates, pumpkin purée, unsweetened cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the ground walnuts in the food processor. Process continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Form balls: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out the mixture and roll it into 8 equal-sized balls, about the size of golf balls.
- Coat the balls: Roll each ball in the reserved coarse walnut pieces to coat the exterior.
- Serve or store: Serve immediately or store the date balls in the fridge or freezer to firm up and keep fresh.
Notes
- For best taste and texture, use fresh Medjool dates that are soft and moist.
- You can substitute pumpkin purée with sweet potato purée if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- These balls make a perfect on-the-go snack or a healthy dessert alternative.
- Rolling in additional cocoa powder or shredded coconut can add flavor variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
