Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
Craving a healthy, no-bake treat? These Pumpkin Energy Balls are packed with fall flavors and nutrition – the perfect quick snack you’ll love!
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There’s something magical about the first crisp autumn day that makes me want to dive headfirst into all things pumpkin. Last weekend, while wrestling with my mid-afternoon energy slump, I stumbled upon the most delightful solution: Pumpkin Energy Balls.
These little bites of heaven are more than just a snack – they’re a celebration of fall in every single bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Oats: I choose Thick-cut, old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Substitution: Quick oats can work in a pinch. Where to Find: Baking aisle, near flour and baking supplies
- Dates: Soft, plump Medjool dates for natural sweetness. Substitution: Deglet Noor dates (soak briefly to soften). Where to Find: Produce section or dried fruit area, Costco, or health food stores.
- Pumpkin: 100% pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling), Substitution: Homemade roasted pumpkin puree, Where to Find: Baking aisle, canned vegetable section
- Chocolate Chips: I use mini white chocolate chips for this recipe. Substitution: Dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or even dark chocolate chips taste great.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Energy Balls
Creating these Pumpkin Energy Balls is like a cozy autumn happy dance in your kitchen. I suggest putting on some fun music to make the experience complete!
See the full recipe card below for the whole process and ingredients.
Step One: Crumble Base
I’ve been making energy balls for years now, and I’ve found that creating a crumbly base works best. Start by transforming your oats and dates in a food processor together. Pulse in short bursts until it makes a coarse crumble. Each pulse of the food processor brings you closer to snack perfection!
Step Two: Adding Flavor
Now it’s time to add the other ingredients, such as the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and spices. You may notice your kitchen filling with the most incredible fall aromas. That’s completely normal and preferred if you ask me!
Step Three: Check the Dough
Now is the time to perfect the dough.
Sticky Test: Crumble a bit between your fingers. It should stick together. That stickiness ensures your pumpkin balls will be moist and tender, rather than dry and crumbly. If they are too dry, add a bit more pumpkin.
Sticky Tip: I always keep a bottle of sweet syrup (maple, agave, or honey) on hand to add a drizzle as needed to make the dough stickier.
Taste Test: Taste the dough. Is it sweet enough for your taste? Preferred sweetness is highly personal, so if you prefer it sweeter, add a drizzle of syrup sweetener (see above). Or if you prefer it less sweet, add a drizzle of nut butter or even a spoonful of pumpkin or some instant oats.
Step Four: Add-Ins
Now that your dough is perfect, it’s time to add the ingredients. Here, you can add mini chocolate chips like I did. Or substitute any of your favorites, such as dried fruit (raisins or dried cranberries work great), chopped nuts, or whatever your favorites might be.
I Want to Hear From YOU: What are your favorite add-ins for energy balls? Leave a comment below!
Step Three: The Rolling
The magic happens when you start rolling these beauties into bite-sized spheres.
Don’t worry about making them perfectly round – rustic is beautiful! The mixture should hold together easily, forming little flavor-packed globes of deliciousness.
Marly’s Tips
- Use a food processor to mix ingredients quickly
- Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier
- Use a cookie scoop for a uniform size
- Make a double batch and freeze it for future snacking
- Protein boost: Add a tablespoon or two of protein powder to give these treats a protein boost.
Dietary Considerations
If you’re serving folks with dietary restrictions, here are some suggestions to make this recipe work for everyone:
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats
- Vegan: Ensure vegan white chocolate chips
- Nut Allergies: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Notes from the Kitchen
The secret to these energy balls lies in the perfect balance of ingredients: pumpkin puree adds moisture and fall flavor, while almond butter provides richness and helps bind the mixture. Medjool dates offer natural sweetness and structure, creating a no-bake treat that’s both nutritious and indulgent. The result is a wholesome bite that captures the essence of autumn in every single energy ball.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Layer between parchment paper, freeze for up to 3 months
- Recommended Containers: Glass meal prep containers or air-tight, lidded plastic containers.
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Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup medjool dates , pitted (around 6 large dates)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- Optional: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Make Date Crumbles: Combine oats, dates, and maple syrup in a food processor and pulse until broken down into a coarse meal.
- Add dry ingredients: Add almond flour, flax, spices, and salt. Pulse to combine.
- Add wet ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients form a cohesive dough.
- Assess the dough: If the mixture is too dry, add a touch more almond butter or pumpkin puree; if too wet, add a bit more almond flour or oats. If you'd like a bit more sweetness, stir in another tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips. Optional: Add chopped pecans for nutty pops of texture.
- Roll into balls: Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of dough at a time and roll into bite-sized balls. For easier rolling, you can chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes.
- Chill and store: Place the energy balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 hour for the best texture. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
Tips and Variations
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder if you’d like a higher-protein snack. You may need to add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter if the dough becomes too dry.
- Coating Option: Roll the energy balls in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or extra pumpkin pie spice for an added crunch and/or flavor.
- Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter in place of almond butter.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
More Pumpkin Recipes
If you love this recipe for pumpkin spice energy balls, here are more pumpkin favorites to try:
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
One Response to Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
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I love our regular energy balls but these are a fantastic alternative if you love pumpkin!