Pumpkin Energy Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These energy balls are everything you want in a snack—easy to make, full of flavor, and made with clean, simple ingredients. They require no baking, take just minutes to prepare, and store well for days. Plus, they offer the warm and comforting taste of pumpkin pie, with the added benefit of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats
• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• Nut butter (like almond, peanut, or cashew)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Ground flaxseed or chia seeds
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine oats, flaxseed or chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. Add in the pumpkin purée, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix well until a thick, sticky dough forms. If it’s too wet, add more oats; if too dry, add a bit more nut butter.
4. Stir in any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
6. Place on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to firm up.
7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 energy balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Spice Swap: Use cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice.
• Sweet Treat: Roll the balls in cinnamon sugar or shredded coconut before chilling.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.

Storage/Reheating

Store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw for a few minutes before eating.
No reheating is required.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give a better chew and structure.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No—use plain canned pumpkin purée, not pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, just use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based nut butter.

What nut butter works best?

Peanut, almond, or cashew butter all work well—choose your favorite!

Do I need to chill them?

Chilling helps them firm up and hold their shape, but they’re safe to eat right away.

Can I bake these?

They’re designed to be no-bake, so baking isn’t recommended or necessary.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely—they’re naturally sweet, nutrient-rich, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

How do I make them less sticky?

Add a bit more oats or flaxseed until the mixture is easier to roll.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes, just be sure it’s well-puréed and not watery.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—these store well and make a great batch snack for the week.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Energy Balls are the ultimate snack for fall—or any time of year you’re craving something sweet, healthy, and satisfying. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and filled with all the cozy flavors of the season. Whether you’re on-the-go or just need a healthy treat, these little bites are the perfect solution.

Pumpkin Energy Balls

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Pumpkin Energy Balls are no-bake, bite-sized snacks made with pumpkin purée, oats, nut butter, and warm spices. Perfect for fall snacking, they’re healthy, naturally sweetened, and easy to make in just minutes.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 energy balls
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix oats, flaxseed or chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. Add pumpkin purée, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. Adjust consistency with more oats or nut butter as needed.
4. Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
5. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
6. Place on a plate or baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
7. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

• Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
• For a protein boost, add a scoop of protein powder.
• Sunflower seed butter or tahini can be used for a nut-free option.
• Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 energy ball
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg