Cashew "Pumpkin" Bliss Balls

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4.75 from 4 votes

A fast and easy energy ball perfect for fall, shaped and spiced like pumpkin!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Total Time 10

Servings balls

Calories 91kcal

Author Tracy

Equipment

Food Processor
toothpick

Ingredients

5 oz raw, unsalted cashews a scant cup
1/3 cup almond flour or other flour of choice
6 whole dates pitted
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon water
12-13 chocolate chips

Instructions

Add cashews, dates, flour, pumpkin spice, and chia seeds to a food processor and pulse until all of the cashews are well blended and a crumbly mixture (the size of breadcrumbs) forms.
With food processor running, add maple syrup, vanilla, and water until a dough begins to form. It's ok if it still seems a little crumbly, you'll be able to form balls and you don't want the mixture to be too moist.
Form into 12-13 one inch sized balls.
Hold a ball in your hand and with a toothpick, press into the ball all around the edges to indent sides to look like sides of a pumpkin. Use your fingers to gently squeeze ball down from a circular shape to more of an oval pumpkin shape.
Top with a chocolate chip and enjoy!

Notes

Storage:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. The longer they are stored the more they may dry out.

Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container/ziplock bag for 3-4 months.

Substitutions:

Flour: Use your favorite gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour. The almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor that compliments the cashews, but a standard gluten-free flour works well, too.

Maple Syrup: Use honey or your other favorite natural sweetener, although maple definitely adds a lovely fall flavor.

Pumpkin Spice: Use your favorite pumpkin spice blend or use this recipe to make your own. If using a premade, use 1 tablespoon. Add a dash more for an even stronger pumpkin spice flavor.

Orange Color:

These bliss balls are subtly colored orange thanks to the turmeric. If you want a more vibrant colored orange, you could also add a drop or two of orange food coloring to the teaspoon of water before adding to the food processor.

To naturally brighten, you could increase the turmeric by 1/4 teaspoon, any more will make the turmeric flavor overpowering.

Nutrition