Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

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.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword energy balls, energy bites, vegan energy snacks

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Chilling Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings balls

Calories 129.3kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

2/3 cup finely chopped raw pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 1/3 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
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 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.

Nutrition