A taste of autumn in every bite! These No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are a vegan, healthy snack with just 10 minutes of prep. You'll love the combination of sweet pumpkin, warm spices, chewy oats, tart cranberries and crunchy pecans for a grab-and-go treat that will put a pep in your step!
This vegan energy balls recipe is a great way to use up a little bit of leftover canned pumpkin puree that you might find sitting in your fridge at this time of year. Since we regularly enjoy batches of Blueberry Almond Energy Bites, I figured it was time for a more seasonally appropriate version. These little nuggets of deliciousness do not disappoint!
What are energy balls?
Energy balls, energy bites, or energy snacks are simple hand-held snacks that include a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and filling fiber for an efficient and delicious treat that fuels your day. Energy balls are a portable snack that can be prepared in advance and tailored to suit a variety of dietary and taste preferences.
How to make Energy Balls without a Food Processor:
This recipe is so convenient because it comes together with basic pantry staples that I almost always have on hand, and it doesn't require any fancy equipment. No blender, no food processor, no chia seeds, and no dates. With just a big bowl and some elbow grease you're ready to go!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls:
- Pecans
- Dried cranberries
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Creamy peanut butter (or sub with almond butter, SunButter, or other nut butter of choice)
- Maple syrup
- Pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt
First, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
Next, scoop the mixture into round balls using a tablespoon or dough scoop.
Chill the energy balls for at least 1 hour, or until they're nice and firm. Then package in an airtight container and stash in your fridge for up to 1 week!
They're a perfect grab-and-go snack when you need some quick energy, they're a well-balanced and satisfying breakfast on the run, and they're a simple treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa this season.
How to store Energy Balls:
Keep these energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for up to 1 week.
Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:
- I find that it's much easier to scoop and roll the oat mixture if my hands (and the scoop) are damp. Just rinse with water, pat dry, and get rolling! You won't have a sticky mess on your hands...
- Make sure that you're using 100% pure canned pumpkin -- not pumpkin pie filling.
- I use Creamy Jif peanut butter since that's what we always have on hand, but you can substitute with creamy almond butter, SunButter, or other nut and seed butters of choice.
- I love the taste of chopped pecans in this fall-inspired recipe, but any nuts will work. Try peanuts, almonds, walnuts or cashews!
- Shortcut! Purchase the chipped pecans (which come in the package very finely chopped) so that you don't even have to get out a knife or cutting board.
- I used Ocean Spray Reduced Sugar Craisins dried cranberries here, but you can substitute with raisins, chopped dates, or other dried fruit of choice.
- Can you make energy balls with steel cut oats? No, I do not recommend making these balls with steel cut oats. I prefer the chewy texture of old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick oats will also work in a pinch.
- Can you freeze energy balls? Yes! To extend the life of your energy balls, keep them tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
- Are energy balls healthy? Yes! These little bites are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, whole grains, and antioxidants! Each energy ball is about 130 calories, so they're a great way to tide you over between meals or give you that little extra "boost" without breaking the calorie bank.
More healthy snack recipes that you might enjoy:
- Fall Harvest Healthy Granola Bars
- No-Bake Blueberry Almond Energy Snacks
- 5-Minute Swiss Muesli
- The Best Nut-Free Granola
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Smoothie {another great way to use up some of that leftover pumpkin!}
Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup finely chopped raw pecans
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 ⅓ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (I used Jif creamy peanut butter)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until completely combined.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to scoop out the mixture into individual portions. Use your hands to roll it into balls and place on a rimmed baking sheet or small baking pan.
- Tip: Keep your hands damp with water so that the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers and it’s easy to roll into balls.
- Place balls in the refrigerator to set for about 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week (but they probably won’t last that long)!
Notes
- I find that it's much easier to scoop and roll the oat mixture if my hands (and the scoop) are damp. Just rinse with water, pat dry, and get rolling! You won't have a sticky mess on your hands...
- Make sure that you're using 100% pure canned pumpkin -- not pumpkin pie filling.
- I use Creamy Jif peanut butter since that's what we always have on hand, but you can substitute with creamy almond butter, SunButter, or other nut and seed butters of choice.
- I love the taste of chopped pecans in this fall-inspired recipe, but any nuts will work. Try peanuts, almonds, walnuts or cashews!
- Shortcut! Purchase the chipped pecans (which come in the package very finely chopped) so that you don't even have to get out a knife or cutting board.
- I used Ocean Spray Reduced Sugar Craisins dried cranberries here, but you can substitute with raisins, chopped dates, or other dried fruit of choice.
- Can you make energy balls with steel cut oats? No, I do not recommend making these balls with steel cut oats. I prefer the chewy texture of old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick oats will also work in a pinch.
- Can you freeze energy balls? Yes! To extend the life of your energy balls, keep them tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
- Are energy balls healthy? Yes! These little bites are a good source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, whole grains, and antioxidants! Each energy ball is about 130 calories, so they're a great way to tide you over between meals or give you that little extra "boost" without breaking the calorie bank.
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