Name: Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds; 1 cup raw cashews; 8-9 pieces medjool dates (pitted); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 dash sea salt

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The moment fall arrives, I find myself craving everything pumpkin. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn golden, and that warm, spicy scent just fills the kitchen. One of my favorite recipes to make during this season is Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls. These little bites are not only delicious, but they also provide a wholesome energy boost that is perfect for those busy days when you need a quick snack. I love to whip them up on a Sunday afternoon and have them ready for the week ahead. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacking or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Plus, the kids can help roll them into balls—they love getting their hands involved! What I adore most about these energy balls is that they bring together all of the warm spices and flavors of pumpkin pie but in a healthy, portable form.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Food Processor, Mixing Bowl

The Charm of This Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

Wholesome Ingredients

When I prepare Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls, I know that I’m using ingredients that are not only tasty but also nourishing. The combination of almonds and cashews provides healthy fats and protein, giving these bites a satisfying texture and energy boost. Medjool dates bring in natural sweetness, which helps to bind everything together while adding a chewy element. And let’s not forget the pumpkin puree, which is packed with vitamins and gives these energy balls that signature pumpkin flavor. The spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice add warmth, making each bite remind me of cozy fall evenings.

Quick and Easy

What I love most about these energy balls is how quick they are to whip up. In just a few minutes, you can have a batch ready to chill in the fridge. This makes them a perfect choice for a last-minute snack or an easy addition to lunchboxes. I often find myself turning to this recipe when I need a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Versatile Snack

Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Want to add some extra sweetness? Toss in a handful of chocolate chips or a splash of maple syrup. Looking for a crunch? Add some chopped nuts or seeds. The possibilities are endless!

Great for Meal Prep

These energy balls are fantastic for meal prep, too. I love making a big batch and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them a go-to snack for busy days. Whenever I feel the hunger pangs, I can grab one (or two!) and keep going without feeling guilty.

Perfect for the Holidays

With the holidays just around the corner, Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls make a perfect addition to your gatherings. They’re a unique and healthy option to serve when entertaining friends and family. You can even package them in cute little bags for party favors or as hostess gifts. Everyone loves a thoughtful treat!

What’s In This Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

When it comes to making Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls, the ingredients you choose play a vital role in achieving that rich, delicious flavor that we all love. Each ingredient complements the others to create a wholesome, nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

1 cup raw almonds: These nuts are loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They provide a satisfying crunch and help to bind the energy balls together.
1 cup raw cashews: Cashews give the energy balls a creamy texture while adding essential nutrients like magnesium and iron.
8-9 medjool dates, pitted: These naturally sweet fruits are the perfect binding agent, bringing both sweetness and chewiness to the mix.
1 tsp vanilla extract: While we avoid artificial flavors, a dash of pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the energy balls.
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree: This ingredient brings moisture and that familiar pumpkin flavor, making these bites reminiscent of your favorite autumn dessert.
1 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and warmth, aligning perfectly with the fall theme.
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices that ties in with the pumpkin theme, giving these energy balls that holiday feel.
Dash of sea salt: A little salt helps to elevate the sweetness and deepen the flavor.

The Method for Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

Making Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls is a fun and satisfying experience. You’ll love how simple the process is, and before you know it, you’ll have a tasty snack ready in no time. Let’s dive right into the steps!

Combine your nuts. Start by adding the raw cashews and raw almonds into a food processor. Pulse them until they reach a fine, grainy consistency. Keep an eye on the texture; you want it to be crumbly but not too fine. This will create a good base for your energy balls.
Add the dates. Now, it’s time to incorporate the medjool dates. Make sure they are pitted, as the pits can ruin your mixture. Continue processing until everything is finely blended, and the mixture starts to clump together. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Introduce the pumpkin. Next, add in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a dash of sea salt. Blend everything until it forms a sticky dough. You may need to add a teaspoon or two of water if the mixture seems too dry. The dough should be moldable and hold together when pressed.
Roll the balls. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time for the fun part! Use your hands to roll the dough into bite-sized balls, about one inch in diameter. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the beauty is in their rustic look!
Chill. Place the rolled balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them for about 20 to 30 minutes to set. This chilling time helps them firm up and enhances their flavors.
Serve and enjoy! After chilling, your Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last up to a week. Enjoy them as a quick snack, or pop one into your lunchbox for a delicious treat on the go.

Things Worth Knowing

Storage: Keep your energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to a week, making them a perfect snack to prepare in advance.
Freezing: You can freeze these energy balls for longer storage. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container, and they will last for up to three months!
Texture tips: The texture of your energy balls can vary based on how much moisture is in your pumpkin puree. Adjust the quantity of the dates or add a little water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices! You can substitute the cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice with nutmeg, allspice, or even a pinch of ginger for a different flavor profile.
Nut options: Swap out the almonds or cashews for other nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Just be sure to adjust the processing time as they may blend differently.

Making Adjustments

Every kitchen is different, and sometimes you might want to tweak a recipe to fit your needs. Here are some great tips for customizing your Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls.

Customization: Feel free to add in your favorite seeds like chia or flaxseeds for an extra health boost.
Storage: Make sure to store your energy balls in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be kept in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for months.
Serving ideas: These energy balls pair perfectly with a cup of tea or a smoothie for a balanced snack.
Sweetness level: Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or fewer medjool dates based on your preference.
Extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist!

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

If you’re wondering how to best enjoy these Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls, the options are as delightful as the recipe itself! Here are some pairing suggestions:

Morning boost: Enjoy them as a quick breakfast option along with yogurt or a smoothie for a nutritious start to your day.
Afternoon snack: These energy balls make for an excellent pick-me-up during the afternoon slump. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea.
Lunchbox treat: They’re perfect for packing in kids’ lunchboxes or your own for a healthy, on-the-go snack.
Holiday gatherings: Serve these energy balls at holiday parties as a unique, healthy treat that everyone will love.
Sporting events: They can provide a great energy boost before or after workouts, making them a favorite among athletes.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can substitute any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as walnuts or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but they will still taste delicious. The key is to ensure they are raw and unsalted for the best outcome.

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in a sealed bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

Yes! The ingredients in Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls are naturally vegan. Just be sure to check that your vanilla extract is specifically labeled as vegan if you’re concerned about that. Otherwise, you’re all set!

These energy balls are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of items. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them alongside yogurt or fruit for a balanced snack. They’re great for on-the-go snacking or packed in lunchboxes!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls are a delightful and nutritious snack that combines the flavors of fall with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for busy days when you need a quick pick-me-up or a healthy addition to your lunch. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious they are. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to celebrate the season’s best flavors!