For more easy, energy packed snacks try my Cranberry & Chocolate Energy Bites and my Energy Bites!
Easy Pumpkin Energy Balls
Every fall season, I am fully on board the pumpkin wagon. I am a fan of all things pumpkin! And with pumpkin being so abundant during this season, it is an easy ingredient to incorporate into recipes. Adding pumpkin to recipes increases the nutrient value, adds so much moisture and saves on some of the calories. It’s a win win all around! I crafted these Pumpkin Energy Balls for a sweet, pumpkin spice flavored bite that is healthy and satisfying. With October being filled with Halloween candy, it is important to also have nutritious and filling sweet options! Plus, these little snacks are so easy to whip up and require no baking at all.
What you’ll need:
Oats: Oats serve as the base of these energy balls and provide some complex carbohydrates. Old fashioned oats or rolled oats work just fine! Ground Flax Seed: Packed with omega-3’s, fiber and protein, ground flax seed is a great addition to these snacks! You can also use whole flax seed for added crunch and texture. If you don’t have flax seed substitute with more oats or hemp seed or chia seed. Pumpkin Pie Spice: Gives these pumpkin energy balls tons of fall flavor. Use store-bought or make your own by combining cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Creamy Peanut Butter: Is the binder for these energy balls. They also add so much protein and healthy fats to these energy bites. Any nut butter will work! Vanilla: Add some vanilla for flavor. Pecans: Give the balls a nice crunch and texture. You could also use walnuts, pine nuts or almonds. Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and also helps to hold the balls together. These energy balls are not overly sweet by any means. Feel free to add more maple syrup, agave or honey to taste. Pepitas: Pepitas are the inner part of a pumpkin seed, and are delicious in these energy balls! You can buy pepitas at your local grocery store where you find other nuts or online here. Pumpkin Puree: Gives these pumpkin energy balls added nutrients and allowed me to cut back on the normal amount of peanut butter I add to my energy bites. Therefore lowering the calories and fat!
How to Make Pumpkin Energy Balls
Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix to combine. Assemble: Form 16 energy balls by rolling the mixture in your hands to form a ball. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to 2 months!
More Easy Snack Ideas to Try
Copycat Kind Granola Bars Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Peanut Butter Energy Bites Date Energy Balls Pumpkin Pecan Granola Healthy Banana Bread Oatmeal Smoothie
