Pumpkin No-Bake Power Bites

I found this recipe while surfing clean eating on Pinterest and it just might be one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted! I love oatmeal and lots of times these types of power bite snacks include nuts which I cannot have. I was PUMPED to find one that didn't include any tree nuts or peanuts and these little bites are AMAZING as a clean healthy snack!!! I’m in heaven! I try to just have two but...it's not easy resisting them!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 Tbsp. chia seeds or flax seeds

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

pinch of salt

1 cup old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)

1 cup toasted coconut flakes

1 cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

DIRECTIONS

• Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia (or flax) seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined.

• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, and stir in the oats, coconut flakes and pepitas until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

• Once the mixture is cool (and easier to work with), use a spoon or cookie scoop to shape it into your desired size of energy balls. (Mine were about 1-inch in diameter.) Alternately, you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Storing them in the refrigerator especially helps the energy bites hold their shape.)

Tip: If you feel like adding a little extra sweetness, these would also be great with some cinnamon or white chocolate chips tossed in.