The Ultimate Guide to Making Sweet Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s one flavor that seems to capture the essence of autumn: pumpkin spice. It’s not just for lattes, though! If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy treat that brings the warm, comforting flavors of the season to your snack time, look no further than homemade Sweet Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls.
These little treats are packed with nutritious ingredients, easy to make, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. Plus, they are a great way to indulge in the flavors of fall without any guilt. Let’s dive into how to whip up these delightful bites of seasonal joy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup of peanut or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin spice (You can buy premixed or make your own with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves)
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds (for an added nutritional boost)
Instructions:
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding ground flaxseed or chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost, toss them in now. Stir everything together so the flavors will be evenly distributed.
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Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Add your choice of peanut or almond butter. This will help bind everything together and add a delicious creamy texture.
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Combine Everything Together: Using a spoon or your hands (it’s a bit messy but fun), mix all the ingredients until you have a uniform dough. Make sure the pumpkin and nut butter are evenly spread throughout the mix.
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Fold in Extras: If you’re using chocolate chips or dried cranberries, now is the time to fold them into your mixture. These add a nice sweet punch and interesting texture to your energy balls.
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Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
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Roll Into Balls: Once chilled, take tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, wetting them slightly with water or coating them with a bit of oil can help.
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Store and Enjoy: You can enjoy these energy balls immediately, but they’re best served after chilling. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer if you want them to last longer.
Why Make Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls?
Not only are these snacks bursting with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin spice, but they’re also incredibly good for you. Oats provide a hearty dose of fiber, pumpkin puree is rich in vitamins, nuts or nut butters add healthy fats and protein, and ingredients like honey or maple syrup offer natural sweetness without refined sugars. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – you can add or swap ingredients based on what you have at home or your dietary needs.
Whether you’re heading out for a fall hike, need a mid-afternoon snack to keep you going, or simply want a healthier treat to enjoy with your pumpkin spice latte, these sweet pumpkin spice energy balls are the perfect choice. Easy to make, nutritious, and deliciously seasonal – they tick all the boxes!
Embrace the flavors of fall and give your day a boost with these homemade energy balls. Happy snacking!