There are a few things I’ve made on the fly that have turned out to be… well, pretty darn delicious. Some of my all-time favorite recipes have happened just like that on the spur of the moment. They’re those magical one-offs that weren’t pre-planned and just came together like they were meant to solve my best snack cravings forever. These Pecan Pie Energy Balls fit into that super small category of flukes that became favorites.
I have a Pecan Pie recipe that I tested and perfected over Christmas this year. So I’m sure my subconscious kicked in here and made these little gems happen. I’m pretty much always craving pecan pie, but ever since eating several of them over the holidays (don’t worry, I shared… some) I’ve reignited an old obsession with the best pie ever created. There’s just something about that combination of soft pecans covered in ooey-gooey sweetness, and stuffed inside a flaky pie crust that just screams YUM!
But, most pecan pie’s are way too sweet now. I prefer a more minimally sweet flavor, plus there are fewer options now that gluten is off the table. And I figure that if there’s only the minimal amount of sugar in the pie, then that must mean I can just eat more of the pie, right? Or at least that’s what I tell myself when I’m elbow deep into my second piece and showing no signs of slowing down.
How to make them
These Pecan Pie Energy Balls are as healthy as pecan pie could ever get. I might just eat them in place of pecan pie from now on, because not only are they healthy, they’re EASY. If you have a food processor, you’re in for a real treat.
Begin by adding your plant-based milk and pitted Medjool dates to the food processor. Blend on high until the dates are chopped up well and a bit of a paste has started to form. You might have to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to make this happen. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky but easily formed into balls. Just remember to remove the “S” blade from the food processor before scooping out the dough to make the balls.
Now here’s where you have an option for more sweetness. I find them to be delicious as-is. My dates are plump and juicy and have just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the nutty pecans. But, if you’re a die-hard pecan pie fan that craves that extra sugar kick (I’m not judging, I’m drooling right alongside you) then try this: add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar.
You can add it to the dough in the food processor for more sweetness throughout, or you can roll each sticky energy ball through the coconut sugar once they’re formed. The rolling method is my favorite, but honestly, both are delicious. Either way, you’ll get a little bit of extra pecan pie sweetness, and we’ve still kept the sugar to a minimum. Yay, us!
These Pecan Pie Energy Balls are
- Sweet
- Nutty
- Soft and crunchy – thanks pecans
- Sticky
- Customizable
- Healthy
- Gluten-Free
- Easy to make
- Meal prep friendly
- Satisfying
- Delicious!
More delicious vegan recipes
- BEST Vegan Lemon Bars – No Bake, GF
- 4 Ingredient Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies
- Healthy 3 Ingredient Vegan Freezer Fudge
- Healthy Vegan Energy Balls – Date Sweetened
If you try these Pecan Pie Energy Balls, let us know what you think! Leave a comment or rating below, or show us your stuff on Instagram #plantednoshery. We so appreciate your support of our little vegan food blog and hope your find oh so much deliciousness here. Enjoy!
Pecan Pie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted
- ½ cup Pecans
- 2 tbsp Plant based milk
- 2 tbsp Almond butter
- 2 tsp Coconut flour
- ¼ tsp Sea salt
- 1 tbsp Coconut sugar optional for more intense pecan pie sweet flavor
Instructions
- In your food processor fitted with the "S" blade, add the pitted dates and plant based milk. Pulse until the dates are chopped evenly into small pieces. Stop the food processor and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, and pulse until a sticky dough forms.
- Once the dough is ready, remove the blade from the food processor. Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the dough into bite sized Energy Balls. The dough is sticky, but easily rolled into balls. If your dough is too sticky to form, add another tsp of coconut flour. Mix thoroughly and try again to form the balls. The dough should still be sticky, but easily formed.
- Roll the Energy Balls and enjoy immediately or pop them in the fridge to firm up slightly and cool. Happy snacking!
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