No-Bake Pumpkin Bites

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, pitted (~10 large dates)

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled or quick oats

• ¼ cup toasted pecan halves

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree

• 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or ground flaxseed meal

• 2 ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. sea salt

Instructions:

1. If the dates are dry or hard, let soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Transfer the dates to a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until the dates are in small pieces and form a sticky ball.

2. Add the oats, pecans, pumpkin, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, maple extract (if using), and salt. Pulse to combine. The oats and nuts should be in small pieces of roughly the same size, but not completely smooth.

3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. With a spoon or cookie scoop, scoop the mixture then roll it into balls. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.

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