Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Bliss Balls

Welcoming Autumn’s rich embrace is the perfect time to celebrate in season fruits & vegetables. Kick start this season celebrations with a heartwarming, Autumn-inspired snack that celebrates the rich, earthy flavours of Australia's harvest.

This recipe is not only simple and fun to make with your Little Maker but also invites you to embrace the natural colour, sweetness and comforting spices that define autumn.

Our Hero Ingredients

• Pumpkin: The star of our recipe, embodying the essence of autumn with its vibrant colour and sweet, earthy flavour.
• Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that brings a cosy depth and a hint of spice to our bliss balls, evoking the comforting essence of Autumn.

 

Pumpkin Spice Bliss Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup roasted pumpkin puree (see below on how to roast and puree pumpkin)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
• 2-3 tbsp maple syrup OR 4-5 pitted dates (see notes below)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp spices (ground nutmeg, ginger, all spice, cloves etc.)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) for texture, and/or dried fruit (cranberries or raisins) for sweetness
• Desiccated coconut or extra ground cinnamon, for rolling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Puree: If you haven't already, roast your pumpkin until tender, then blend into a smooth puree. Let it cool before using.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, spices, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding chopped nuts or dried fruit, now’s the time! 
3. Combine with Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, nut butter, and maple syrup (or 4-5 pitted dates blended into a paste) to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the mixture is fully combined and sticks together. If it’s too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree or almond butter. Too wet? Sprinkle in some extra oats or flaxseed.
4. Shape Your Bliss Balls: With clean hands, roll the mixture into small balls. This is a fun step for kids to get involved in—let them enjoy the squishy sensation!
5. Roll in Toppings: Roll each ball in desiccated coconut or ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavour and texture.
6. Chill and Serve: Place the bliss balls on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go snack or a sweet additional to any meal.

Tips for Pumpkin Spice Bliss Ball Makers

• Customise Your Bliss Balls: Encourage your Little Maker to experiment with adding their favourite ingredients. Try out different spices, seeds, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate on top for a decadent finish. Anything to spark imagination and experimentation!

Replace Maple Syrup with Dates

• Replace the 2 tbsp of maple syrup with 4-5 pitted dates. If the dates are particularly hard, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using, which makes them easier to blend or chop.

Enjoy crafting these delightful Pumpkin & Cinnamon Bliss Balls!