Cinnamon Pecan Pie Bites

by Julie Pace, RDN | Nov 15, 2020

Love pecan pie but need a healthier, quick-to-make option? These No-Bake Cinnamon Pecan Pie Bites are the perfect solution! Packed with nutrient-dense dates, pecans, and warm autumn spices, this simple recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack or a sweet treat for breakfast, these bites are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Simplicity: Ready in 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with dates, pecans, oats, and cinnamon for a wholesome snack.
• Diet-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with no added sugar.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch to enjoy all week as a grab-and-go snack or breakfast treat.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Pecan Pie Bites

1. Rich in Fiber: Dates and oats provide dietary fiber that supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
2. Heart-Healthy Fats: Pecans and nut butter offer healthy fats that promote heart health and brain function.
3. Natural Sweetness: Sweetened only with dates, these bites satisfy your sweet tooth without refined sugar.
4. Packed with Antioxidants: Pecans and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall wellness.
5. Energy Boosting: Perfect as a pre-workout snack or mid-day pick-me-up thanks to their nutrient-rich composition.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Pecan Bites

• 1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter, creamy (or any nut butter of your choice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, raw
• 1/4 cup organic rolled oats, old-fashioned
• 1/8 tsp salt, pinch
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the Date Paste: Add dates, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to a food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms. Set aside.
2. Process Dry Ingredients: In the same food processor, add pecans, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
3. Form the Dough: Add the date paste back into the food processor and pulse until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water or extra vanilla extract until the texture holds together.
4. Shape the Bites: Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion the dough. Squeeze into balls with your hands (don’t roll, as they may crumble). Repeat to make about 12 bites.
5. Chill and Serve: Dust with extra cinnamon if desired and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making Cinnamon Pecan Bites

• Fresh Dates Are Key: Softer dates are easier to blend. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and pat dry before using.
• Customizable Flavors: Swap cinnamon for nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or ginger for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Keep bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! Swap pecans for sunflower seeds and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free version.

Are these bites gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How do I store Cinnamon Pecan Pie Bites?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.

What can I substitute for dates?

If you don’t have dates, dried figs or raisins can work, but the flavor and sweetness will vary.

Need More Healthy Snack Recipes?

Here’s another quick and easy no-bake healthy snack recipe you may want to try:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites

Cinnamon Pecan Pie Bites

If you love pecan pie, you'll love these Cinnamon Pecan Bites. These no bake bites are so simple and easy to make. A delicious snack that's packed full of dates, pecans and autumn spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• food processor or blender

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup medjool dates pitted and chopped
• 2 Tbs peanut butter creamy, or other nut butter of choice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans raw
• 1/4 cup oats organic, old fashion rolled oats
• 1/8 tsp salt pinch
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Pulse dates, peanut butter, and vanilla in food processor until paste forms. Remove from processor.
• In a separate bowl, combine pecans, oats, and cinnamon. Add to food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
• Add date paste and pulse until dough forms. You can add water or more vanilla extract, if dough is crumbly. Texture will depend on the freshness of the dates..
• Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, scoop dough into palms and squeeze to form balls [do not roll, as they may fall apart]. Repeat until approximately 12 bites are formed.
• Dust with additional cinnamon if desired and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more.

Notes

Serving size is two bites.

Keyword cinnamon pecan, energy bites

Garlic, Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts

by Julie Pace, RDN | Nov 15, 2020

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are cruciferous veggies that are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, antioxidants and fiber. They are low in calories and carbohydrates making them a great choice for weight management and blood sugar control. Brussels sprouts also helps to support your body's detoxification system as well as digestive health, heart heath and immune support. *Note if you take blood thinners, too much Vitamin K could prevent them from working as well as they should. Consult with your doctor regarding how often it's safe for you to eat Brussels sprouts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Italian

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts
• 8 cloves garlic peeled and halved
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 4 Tbs vegan parmesan

Vegan Parmesan

• 1/2 cup cashews unsalted
• 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400ºF.
• Peel garlic. Slice garlic cloves and sprouts in half.
• Toss sprouts and garlic with olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle with vegan parmesan and bake for 10-12 minutes. (If you don't like toasted cheese you can sprinkle after baking.

Vegan Parmesan

• Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until it becomes coarse powder.
• Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. Discard after 7 days.

Keyword brussel sprouts

Tropical Chia Pudding

by Julie Pace, RDN | Nov 14, 2020

Tropical Chia Pudding

Wake up to this deliciously healthy tropical chia pudding. Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, protein and antioxidants. A perfect way to start your day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Refrigerate 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American, Gluten Free, vegan

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 2 cup plant-based milk, almond unsweetened
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbs maple syrup
• 2/3 cup oats, old fashioned organic, gluten free
• 2 kiwi peeled, chopped

Instructions

 

• Mix unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract and maple syrup in a mason jar (or small container/dish) with lid. Shake (or stir) vigorously and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
• Remove chia pudding from refrigerator and stir. Top with oats and sliced kiwi.

Keyword chia pudding, healthy breakfast