Introduction

These Pumpkin Energy Balls are an easy, no-bake snack packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin, and nut butter. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they combine cozy autumn spices with a touch of sweetness from medjool dates and chocolate chips. Enjoy them as a healthy treat any time of the day!

The image shows a close-up view of a bowl filled with round energy balls. Each ball is light brown with a slightly rough texture, featuring small darker chocolate chips embedded throughout. The balls are packed closely together and centered in a plain white bowl. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the whole scene. The energy balls look dense and chewy, with some visible tiny pieces of nuts or oats in the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup medjool dates, tightly packed (about 14 dates)
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Add oats, dates, peanut butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt to the base of a food processor.
Step 2: Process the ingredients until a sticky, nearly smooth dough forms. The mixture should be cohesive and stick together when pressed with your hands.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a large bowl. Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly.
Step 4: Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls. Wetting your hands slightly can help prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the energy balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate to firm up before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

Use softened, fresh dates for easier blending and a smoother texture.
For a nut-free version, substitute peanut or almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
Add a scoop of protein powder to boost nutritional value.
Try different spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Mix in dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped apricots for extra chewiness.
Use dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the balls for a richer treat.
Chill the energy balls in the fridge before serving for a firmer bite.

Storage

Store the Pumpkin Energy Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or enjoy them frozen for a cooling snack.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with round, bite-sized energy balls that have a rich brown color, speckled with darker chocolate chips scattered on the surface. The texture looks dense and slightly crumbly, with visible flecks of oats and nuts. The balls are piled high, some stacked on top of each other, showing a rough but uniform shape. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these Pumpkin Energy Balls nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the peanut or almond butter with sunflower seed butter to enjoy a nut-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How should I store my Pumpkin Energy Balls?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. For longer preservation, freezing is an excellent option as well.

Pumpkin Energy Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 75 reviews

These Pumpkin Energy Balls are a quick, no-bake, nutritious snack combining the wholesome flavors of oats, pumpkin puree, and nut butter with a cozy blend of warm spices and a touch of chocolate. Perfect for a festive boost of energy any time of day, they offer a delightful combination of texture, sweetness, and autumn-inspired spices that satisfy and nourish.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15 energy balls 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup Medjool dates, tightly packed (~14 dates)
1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Add-ins

3 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Gather Ingredients: Collect all your ingredients including rolled oats, Medjool dates, nut butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), salt, and mini chocolate chips upfront to have an easy assembly process.
Process the Base Ingredients: Place the oats, dates, nut butter, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt into a food processor. Pulse and blend until the mixture forms a sticky, nearly smooth dough that holds together when pressed.
Check Consistency: Evaluate the dough texture; it should be tacky and cohesive. If the dough feels crumbly, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter to achieve the rollable, sticky consistency.
Add Chocolate Chips: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly, ensuring bursts of chocolate throughout.
Roll into Balls: Using slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the formed energy balls on a plate or in an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Use a food processor for smooth blending and to bind ingredients well.
Store the energy balls in the fridge to prolong freshness.
Adjust the warmth and spice level by tweaking the quantities of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to personal taste.
Soft, fresh dates ensure easier blending and better dough consistency.
Chilling the balls before serving can make them firmer and easier to handle.

Keywords: Pumpkin energy balls, no-bake snack, healthy snack, autumn snack, oat balls, pumpkin puree, healthy energy bites