Tickle all your autumn cravings with these bite-sized, chewy, and crunchy Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls, a deliciously healthy treat for energy all through the day.
Find the Best Fall Snack Ever-Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
If you like pumpkin spice, then get ready for these energy balls to become your new addiction. Warming spices as in pumpkin pie, chewy texture, and even crunch from seeds and nuts all meet within one deliciously portable energy ball.
The secret to the rich taste? Cashew or almond butter, offer a neutral base where the pumpkin and spices shine. Don’t worry any nut butter will do if you’re in a pinch.
Developed by Catherine Jessee and tested in the Eating Well Test Kitchen with the dietitian’s nod of approval from Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD, these energy balls are a deliciously healthy way to address vegan, gluten-free, and high-fiber treat cravings in the house.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
½ cup smooth natural cashew butter or creamy almond butter
⅓ cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pitted dried Medjool dates, chopped
¼ cup pecan halves
1¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3 tablespoons toasted unsalted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls:
Combine the Pumpkin Base: In a small bowl, stir together the cashew or almond butter, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
Preparatory step: Chop the dates and pecan halves in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, about 1 minute. Combine rolled oats, pepitas, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pulse to incorporate all together, about 10 pulses.
Combine the Mixtures: Pour the pumpkin mixture into a food processor. Pulse 10 additional one-second pulses until everything is well mixed. Scrape down the sides of your food processor to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Shape the Balls: Line a very large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop or measuring spoon, measure out 24 balls from your oat mixture. Roll each portion between clean hands to make a smooth, rounded ball.
Serve or Store: You can roll these energy balls right away, or keep them in the fridge covered up for up to five days for a super easy snack on the run.
Pro Tips of Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Soaking in Dry Dates: If your Medjool dates are drier, you simply submerge them in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then strain and let them soften beautifully before processing.
Preparation Ahead: These energy balls are just fantastic for meal prep. Simply make a batch and refrigerate for up to five days. They are easy to just grab and use as a great mid-day snack or post-workout treat.
Nutritional Benefits:
All of these energy balls will rightly balance fiber, protein, and healthy fats; therefore, they will keep you going on to what’s prepared for you. With chia seeds, oats, and pepitas, they load you with omega-3s and other essential vitamins. Added sugar comes in refined products, which these don’t contain because the sweet flavor naturally comes from dates.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
245 Cal
14g Fat
28g Carbs
7g Protein
The Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls truly is a blend of perfect flavors, textures, and nutrients. They get the job done to satisfy that taste of fall, or you want an energy boost during the day.
