Chewy Pumpkin Popcorn Balls (Gluten Free, Vegan) + GIVEAWAY

This post is kindly sponsored by Gaslamp Popcorn.

If half a bag of popcorn disappears within a week, but no one was there to hear the crunching, was 40% of this college celiac's diet really composed of Gaslamp Popcorn for a few days?

Although I haven't taken a math class in over three years, this is the kind of equation I'm hungry for...especially since Gaslamp Popcorn was kind enough to let me sample and host a giveaway for their Kettle Corn, and their Sea Salt and Olive Oil flavors! I couldn't resist immediately diving into both bags - and I know you won't be able to resist these Chewy Pumpkin Popcorn Balls. 

These sweet and salty bites may look and taste like the popcorn balls of your childhood, but they are actually packed with healthy ingredients like banana, dates, coconut flour, popcorn and fall spices. In fact, depending on what flavor popcorn you use, these treats can even be refined sugar free! 

Since these balls are nut and dairy free, along with being gluten free and vegan, they also fit a variety of diets and lifestyles. It also doesn't hurt that Gaslamp Popcorn also features non-GMO corn that is handmade in small batches, and offers plenty of unique flavors like Malibu Mix, White Cheddar and Cinnamon Caramel. Basically? While these treats are free of most allergens, don't expect them to be lacking in holiday flavor.

That close up...

To get started, gather the ingredients below. They will form around 28 marble-sized popcorn balls. 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup mashed dates (roughly 13 dates)
1/4 of one ripe banana
Heaping 3 cups of Kettle Corn popcorn (use Gaslamp's Sea Salt and Olive Oil popcorn to make this recipe refined sugar free)
1/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
1 TBSP coconut flour (I have not tested substitutions, but most gluten free flours should work. I would suggest buckwheat flour for added protein or millet for an earthy flavor)
Liberal sprinkle of pumpkin spice and cinnamon

As easy as they are to devour, these popcorn balls are also easy to "pop" together with limited time or equipment. If your dates aren't soft, you may want to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes or until gooey. Then, you can either toss the dates in a high-speed blender/food processor, or mash them in a bowl by hand (I can attest that the latter method definitely gives you an arm workout!) until you create a thick paste.

Good things come in small packages (or plates)...

Once you have broken down your dates, add your ripe banana and mash until combined. Then, pour in the 3 cups of popcorn. To help the ingredients bind together, you can partially crush the popcorn with your spoon against the side of the bowl. Next, all you need to do is add your coconut chips, spices and coconut flour. If your batter seems to loose to hold together, add a little more banana. Conversely, if you're batter seems too sticky, sprinkle a little more coconut flour in. 

To form your popcorn balls, you'll need to get a little messy - but I promise the taste will be worth it! Simply grab a little batter and roll it into a ball between your palms. It should be a little sticky from the dates, but still malleable. Once you've finished your popcorn balls, you can eat them straight or store them in the freezer in a closed container. 

I've found that the dates keep the balls from totally freezing, so when you want a snack, simply let them thaw for a few seconds. The freezer, though, guarantees that your popcorn balls stay good for the entire holiday season! 

A bird's eye view of a heavenly breakfast!

Like with my bliss balls, these Chewy Pumpkin Popcorn Balls make perfect pre and post workout snacks since they're packed with quickly digestible carbs, energizing (natural) sugars and fiber. They're also sweet enough for dessert and add a scrumptious crunch to smoothie bowls. 

Want the chance to fall for Gaslamp Popcorn - and these pumpkin popcorn balls - for yourself? Then 'tis the season because two lucky readers will win one bag of popcorn each (and don't worry - solving the equation I mentioned earlier isn't required)! To enter the giveaway, simply use the widget below. Good luck everyone - and happy holiday snacking! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Also found at Wow Me Wednesday, Tasty Tuesday, RunningwithSpoons, Vegetarian Mama, Link Party Palooza, Saucy Saturday, Dare to Share, Share Fest and Allergy Free Thursday*

What's your favorite kind of popcorn, e.g. Kettle, Lightly Salted, etc? What's the most inventive way you've eaten popcorn? Let me know below!