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Pumpkin and Amaranth No-Bake Energy Balls with Date and Sunflower Seed
Original recipe: 12 servings · Prep: 15 min · Cook: 0 min · Total: 15 min
By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished May 11, 2026
International
15 mins
easy-to-makeno-added-saltsoft-texturemake-aheadbalanced-nutritionallergy-substitutionsfinger-food-friendlyquick-preplunchbox-friendlypicky-eaters
Pumpkin and Amaranth No-Bake Energy Balls with Date and Sunflower Seed with measured ingredients, 15-minute timing, 12-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for toddler meals, snacks, and family cooking guidance.
Prep
15 min
Cook
0 min
Total
15 min
Servings
12
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
International
Ingredients
Servings
12
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup amaranth flakes
- 8 pitted medjool dates
- ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
-
If amaranth flakes are not toasted, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast amaranth flakes for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and cool.
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In a food processor, combine pitted medjool dates and pumpkin puree. Blend until a smooth paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.
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Add toasted amaranth flakes, sunflower seed butter, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the pumpkin and date mixture. Pulse until combined but still slightly textured. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together but not overly smooth—ideal for finger foods.
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Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Gently stir in chopped raw sunflower seeds to maintain a soft-textured snack with added protein and healthy fats.
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Take about 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball and roll gently between your palms to form small, soft balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands lightly with water.
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Place formed energy balls on a parchment-lined tray or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help firm up before serving.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving for a quick, allergy-friendly toddler snack.
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Serve these nutrient-dense, soft-textured energy balls as a healthy snack perfect for toddlers who are developing self-feeding skills and transitioning to finger foods.
Ingredient Replacements
- ½ cup pumpkin puree: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- ½ cup amaranth flakes: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- pitted medjool dates: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- ⅓ cup sunflower seed butter: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
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