Step 1

Place 1/3 cup of the walnuts in a food processor fitted with a metal blade.

Step 2

Process until nuts resemble coarse sand. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3

Add remaining walnuts to the food processor and process until finely ground.

Step 4

Add the dates, pumpkin purée, cocoa powder, salt and vanilla extract and continue to process until ingredients are combined and smooth.

Step 5

Using a spoon (or your hands), scoop and roll mixture into 8 equal (golf-ball- size) balls.

Step 6

Roll each ball in the reserved walnuts and serve immediately or store in the freezer or the fridge.