Go Back
To make tasty pumpkin spice energy balls, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries - A pinch of sea salt These ingredients work together to create a delightful snack. The oats give you fiber, while pumpkin adds moisture and flavor. Nut butter provides healthy fat and protein. Honey or maple syrup sweetens each bite. Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon bring that warm fall taste. Nuts add crunch, and chocolate or cranberries give a nice sweet touch. You can adjust ingredients to fit your taste or allergies. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a quick snack. Each bite is packed with energy, making it great for a boost before your workouts or as a midday pick-me-up. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your utensils. You will need a large mixing bowl and a baking sheet. Collect all the ingredients. This includes oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey, and spices. Make sure your workspace is clean. A tidy kitchen makes cooking fun! In the large bowl, add the rolled oats and pumpkin puree. Mix them well. Next, add the almond butter and honey. Stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until everything is sticky and smooth. This is where the magic begins! Now it's time for the fun part! Gently fold in your chopped nuts and chocolate chips or cranberries. Make sure they spread evenly. Next, take some of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. Keep your hands slightly damp. This helps the mixture stick less. Once all the balls are shaped, arrange them on the baking sheet. Use parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Leave some space between each ball. Now, put the baking sheet in the fridge. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the energy balls firm up. Enjoy the wait; the smell is heavenly! To create the best pumpkin spice energy balls, focus on texture. You want a sticky, cohesive mix. If it feels too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter. If it’s too wet, toss in a few oats. Taste as you go to adjust sweetness. Use honey for a milder sweetness or maple syrup for a richer flavor. For even-sized energy balls, use a small scoop. This helps keep them uniform. Roll the mixture in your palms gently. If the mix sticks to your hands, wet your palms slightly. This makes shaping easier. Aim for 1-inch balls for the perfect bite-sized snack. Presentation matters! Serve your energy balls in a fun jar or a colorful bowl. This makes them look inviting. Pair these bites with warm apple cider or a cup of tea. They make a great snack before workouts or during busy days. Pro Tips Chill for Better Texture: Allow the energy bites to chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and enhancing their texture. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding different mix-ins like seeds, dried fruit, or nut butters. This adds variety and can cater to different taste preferences. Storage Tips: Store leftover energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—perfect for meal prep! Make it Vegan: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a completely vegan option. This keeps the energy bites plant-based without sacrificing sweetness. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor and texture of your energy balls. Here are some easy swaps: - Nut Butters: Instead of almond butter, use peanut butter or cashew butter. Each type adds a unique taste. - Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Each sweetener gives a different sweetness level. Spice up your energy balls with extra flavors. Here are some ideas: - Protein Powder: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. This adds nutrition and keeps you full longer. - Seeds: Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for more crunch and health benefits. They give a nice texture and boost omega-3s. - Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins. These add sweetness and chewiness, making the bites even tastier. Make these energy balls fit various diets. Here are some options: - Vegan Options: Use maple syrup instead of honey. This makes the recipe suitable for vegans. - Gluten-Free Adjustments: Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks. To keep your pumpkin spice energy balls fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps them tasty. Use a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. Avoid containers that let air in, as this can make them dry out. In the refrigerator, these energy balls last about one week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. They stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before eating. You can use leftover energy balls in other recipes. Crumble them over yogurt or mix them into smoothies for extra flavor. You can also enjoy them as a quick snack on the go. They pair well with fresh fruit or a cup of tea. You can replace nut butter with seeds. Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead. These options work well in binding the ingredients. Just measure the same amount as you would for nut butter. The taste will change slightly, but they will still be tasty! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and mash it first. Make sure it is smooth and not watery. This will help keep the texture right. Fresh pumpkin adds a nice flavor, but it may change the consistency a bit. To boost protein, add protein powder. Use about a quarter cup of your favorite kind. You can also mix in some chia seeds or hemp seeds. These seeds not only add protein but also add fiber, making your snack even healthier. Each energy ball has about 100 calories. This can vary based on the nuts and sweeteners you use. If you want a lower calorie count, use less honey or maple syrup. Adjusting the mix will help you fit these bites into your diet better. This blog post covered how to make delicious energy balls using simple ingredients. We discussed mixing, shaping, and chilling the energy balls, along with tips for perfecting your mixture. You can customize flavors and store them easily. Remember, these snacks are not just tasty but also versatile. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to suit your taste. With a few simple steps, you now have a healthy snack ready to go. Keep these energy balls on hand for a quick bite!

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Delicious and nutritious energy bites packed with pumpkin flavor and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup almond butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the bowl.
  • Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a sticky batter-like consistency.
  • Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts along with the dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • With your hands, pinch off portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Ensure a compact shape by rolling them in your palms.
  • Arrange the formed energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing space between each ball.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the bites to set and firm up.

Notes

For an appealing display, serve the energy bites in a decorative jar or a vibrant small bowl. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Keyword energy bites, healthy, pumpkin, snack