Customizable Pumpkin Energy Bites

These seasonal pumpkin energy bites are the perfect snack for fall-or any season, really. They're customizable, healthy, and take just 5 minutes to make! Plus, you get to use any add-ins of your choice like chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit. See the video below to see how easy it is to whip up these pumpkin energy bites!

This post was first published on October 15, 2021. It was updated on August 22, 2024.

Why you'll love it

If you're anything like me, pumpkin season is something you look forward to every year. From pumpkin coffee to pumpkin protein shakes, there's no shortage of this versatile squash. But these pumpkin energy bites stand out for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: Just stir, chill, and roll. No baking required! 
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with fiber from oats and protein from nut butter, these bites offer sustained energy. Don't underestimate the power of a healthy snack!

Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your taste with a variety of add-ins like chocolate chips, chia seeds, or dried cranberries.

Are these energy bites healthy?

Absolutely! Here's why:

• Oats provide a good source of fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
• Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system.
• Nut Butter adds healthy fats and protein, balancing the carbohydrates in the oats for sustained energy.

Ingredients you'll need

To make these pumpkin energy bites, you'll need:

• Rolled Oats - These provide the chewy base of the bites, packed with fiber. You can use either rolled oats or quick cooking oats. Just be sure to not use steel cut oats-they're too tough.
• Pumpkin Purée - Look for it in the baking aisle, usually near the bottom shelf. Be sure to grab 100% pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin pie mix.
• Nut Butter - Peanut butter, almond butter, or another favorite works great, offering healthy fats and protein.
• Maple Syrup or Honey - Adds natural sweetness to the bites.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon - This gives the bites their signature fall flavor.
• Add-ins of Your Choice - Choose from coconut flakes, ground flaxseed, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, chia seeds, or nuts. Mix and match for your perfect bite!

Where do I buy pumpkin? 

You can actually make your own homemade pumpkin puree. But if you're lazy like me, you can buy pumpkin purée in the baking aisle of your local grocery store as well. It's usually on the bottom of the shelf.

What else can I make with pumpkin purée?

This pumpkin energy balls recipe calls for ½ cup pumpkin puree. If you are using a standard 15 ounce can of pumpkin, that means you will have a little over 1 cup leftover after making these bites.

You'll want to store any leftover puree in the fridge and use within 5-7 days. The good news is there's tons of ways to use up extras. Here is some leftover pumpkin puree recipe inspiration:

• Coconut Cream Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Vegan Pumpkin and Carrot Soup
• Maple Butter Pumpkin Hummus
• Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

How to make pumpkin energy bites

Making these energy bites is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Mix and Chill: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Place the mixture in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up. You can skip the chilling part, but they will be more sticky and harder to roll.
2. Roll: Once chilled, use your hands to roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Store: Place the bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving Tips: These bites are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an extra cozy snack.
• Troubleshooting Tips: If the mixture is too sticky to roll, try chilling it a bit longer or adding a bit more oats.
• Scaling Tips: You can easily double or triple this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the chilling time if you increase the batch size.

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, these pumpkin energy bites are completely customizable. This recipe calls for 1 cup of add-ins of your choice. That means you can add in whatever you like or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Some ideas include:

• coconut flakes
• ground flaxseed
• rice krispies
• dried cranberries
• raisins
• chocolate chips
• chia seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios

Try playing around with a combination for the one cup. For example, I usually do a mixture of ¼ cup coconut, ¼ cup ground flaxseed, ¼ cup chocolate chips, and ¼ cup chia seeds.

Can I make these pumpkin energy bites ahead of time?

Yes, these bites are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer, so you always have a healthy snack on hand.

How do I store energy balls?

Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just take out a few at a time to thaw in the fridge as needed. Try making these peanut butter energy bites or coconut matcha balls too!

Need more hands-on help with recipes?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian.

save this pumpkin energy balls recipe on pinterest:

Looking for other no-bake snacks? Try these:

• Protein Powder Mug Cake
• Edible Cookie Dough made with dates
• Salted Caramel Energy Bites
• Hummus Veggie Pinwheels