Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack packed with fall flavors. Perfect for a quick energy boost, they combine pumpkin, spices, and nuts in a wholesome, no-bake treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (or sub almond butter or pecan butter)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (or sub honey)
- ½ cup toasted pecans (or sub walnuts)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
For the topping:
- ¼ cup white or dark chocolate chips, dairy free if desired
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all ingredients except the chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well combined and the mixture comes together like cookie dough, with some nut chunks remaining. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed. The batter will be thick.
- Step 2: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each into balls. You should get about 15. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frozen energy bites and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Return to the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
- Step 4: Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the freezer. Enjoy straight from the freezer, or let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes if too hard.
Tips & Variations
- Try using almond or pecan butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans to vary the nut texture and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon cinnamon to the mixture.
- Keep the nut chunks chunky for added texture or pulse longer for a smoother batter.
Storage
Store these energy bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. They are best enjoyed cold but can be left at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften if too firm.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these energy bites without a food processor?
A food processor is recommended for combining the ingredients thoroughly, but you can mix them by hand if you chop the nuts finely and stir well. The texture may be chunkier.
Are these energy bites suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can be made gluten free by using certified gluten-free oats and dairy free by selecting non-dairy chocolate chips. You can also substitute nut butters to accommodate allergies.
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Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 energy bites 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites are a nutritious, no-bake snack combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and enriched with chia seeds and flaxseed meal, these energy bites are perfect for a quick boost of energy and taste, ideal for fall or any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (or substitute almond butter or pecan butter)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (or substitute honey)
- ½ cup toasted pecans (or substitute walnuts)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
Topping
- ¼ cup white or dark chocolate chips, dairy free if desired
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Cinnamon, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients except the white chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is well combined and comes together like cookie dough, leaving some chunks of nuts for texture. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
- Form Energy Bites: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into approximately 15 bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Create Chocolate Topping: Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle and Finish: Remove the energy bites from the freezer and drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over them. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor. Return the bites to the freezer for another 10 minutes to set the chocolate coating.
- Storage and Serving: Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Enjoy them straight from the freezer, or if they are too firm, allow them to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute nut butters with seed butters and replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with an equal amount of honey if preferred.
- Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; instant oats may result in a mushier bite.
- To toast pecans or walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Keep energy bites frozen until ready to eat to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin energy bites, no-bake snack, healthy snacks, peanut butter energy bites, fall snacks, gluten free energy bites, pumpkin pie spice snacks
