Fun fact about me: I hate scary things.
Scary movies, haunted houses, freaky costumes…I can’t deal with it.
And the fact that people actually pay for these types of interactions simply boggle my mind.
I’m already way too anxious in real life to actually pay to get worked up over simulated stressful situations.
The main amusement park in Pittsburgh is called “Kennywood,” and every year around this time, they hold their annual “Fright Nights.” Kennywood is open late and the park comes alive with goblins and monsters and ghouls…oh my!
To get into Kennywood, everyone must go through a small tunnel. Of course, Fright Night is the perfect time to turn this seemingly simple entrance into a down-right terrifying experience; they fill it with fog and place a man with a chainsaw inside. What a lovely way to be greeted to an amusement park, no?
When I was younger, I decided to go was coerced into going to Fright Night with a group of friends. My mother, being the wonderful woman that she is, volunteered to chaperone the trip.
Now, if I hate scary things, my mother loathes them entirely.
As soon as we stepped into the fog-filled tunnel, my mother decides to use my friends and me as a barrier against the man with the chainsaw.
Glad to know where your priorities are, mother. ;)
Halloween doesn’t need to be scary.
In fact, Halloween shouldn’t be scary. Especially with these adorable little Pumpkin Spice Jack-O-Lantern Bites at the ready.
3 healthy ingredients. 5 minutes of prep time. Endless fun. And not a scary ingredient in sight! Would you believe it if I told you that dates, nuts, and pumpkin pie spice are all you’ll need to create these tasty snack balls?! And that you just need to blend these ingredients together in order to achieve festive, delicious bliss?!
Believe it, baby! This treat ain’t no trick!
Better yet, dates and nuts are a smart snack choice because they’re nutrient-dense and contain loads of vitamins and nutrients. I love reaching for a ball or two as a snack or a dessert, but I’ve definitely added them to a balanced lunch. How will you choose to enjoy them?
Not only are these Pumpkin Spice Jack-O-Lantern Bites full of the flavors of fall, but they seriously taste like a candy! And seriously…has festive food ever been cuter?! I’m seriously obsessing over these little buggers, and I know you will, too!
PrintPumpkin Spice Jack-O-Lantern Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates*
- 1/2 cup cashew pieces (or nut/seed of choice) + more for faces
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a small food processor and process until a small ball forms.
- Using slightly damp hands, form pumpkins and decorate with additional nut pieces to form a jack-o-lantern face.
- Store Pumpkin Spice Jack-O-Lantern Bites on a plate in the fridge.
Notes
*Make sure that your dates are gooey! If they’re not, place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain, and proceed with the recipe!
Oh my gosh, these are TOO cute.
Thank you, Dani! I think so, too :)
Literally the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Also I completely loathe all things scary, too. The WORST! As a fellow anxious basket case, I can’t handle that kind of nonsense in my life.
Thanks so much, Lucia! I’m glad you understand my aversion to scary things!!
these are so cute! I love that they are made with only 3 ingredients!!! YUM!!!!
Thank you so much, Rachel! SO perfect for Halloween :)