I’ve become a bit of an after-school snack expert over the last few years. Our after school hours get very hectic, especially during sports season. So, I like to have a few recipes in my back pocket that are quick to make, give kids energy for the next thing, and can keep well in the fridge for a week or so. These Pumpkin Energy Balls are perfect for that and also have a very fall flavor profile!
There are many ways you could make these, but I like to add some chia and chocolate to them to give them extra fiber, protein, and kids love chocolate obviously.
As far as a no-bake snack goes, these energy balls are pretty darn perfect!
Want a different flavor profile? Try these Smore energy balls or these Date Energy Balls!
Ingredients for these Pumpkin Energy Balls
Let’s talk about the ingredients I like to add to these snacks:
- Rolled Oats – Keep it simple with classic rolled oats. Don’t use instant oats or steel cut oats. They will give you the wrong texture for these.
- Pumpkin Puree – The pumpkin is a great binder for these and gives the energy balls a subtle flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips – Not 100% necessary, but I like to add them.
- Peanut butter – Another great binder and protein boost.
- Honey – Adds some extra sweetness to the balls.
- Chia seeds – Optional, but gives some extra fiber and protein to the snacks.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – An easy alternative to adding a bunch of individual spices.
What pumpkin works best?
You’ll see a few different pumpkin options at the store. You want to make sure you use pure pumpkin puree for these energy balls and NOT pumpkin pie filling which has lots of additives and spices.
Just go for the plain pumpkin puree and it’ll work great for these snacks.
What rolled oats work best for these snacks?
Don’t overthink the oats to use for these pumpkin energy balls also. I use just plain old fashioned oats for mine. If you use instant oats, they will get a bit soggy or if you use steel cut oats, they won’t be soft enough.
So, just go with plain oats and you’ll be in business!
How to make these Pumpkin Energy Balls
You can make these in about 10 minutes and kids can help roll them into balls.
Mix together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and then microwave the pumpkin, peanut butter and honey together until it’s smooth.
Then mix it together!
If the mixture doesn’t hold its shape (it should be quite thick) then add more rolled oats by the 1/4 cup.
Then you can just roll the balls out into about tablespoon size balls. Really pack them tightly so they hold their shape.
These are great right away but most importantly you can store them in the fridge for a week or so and they are great!
Substitutions
Here are some smart substitutions you can make for these!
- Don’t want to use pumpkin pie spice? You can make your own with this recipe.
- Instead of chocolate chips, try caramel chips!
- Instead of honey, try maple syrup for a deeper maple flavor to the snacks.
As far as after school snacks go, these are top of the list this fall for us.
I asked my daughter if she liked them and she said, “No. I LOVE them!”
So there ya go. Try them out for yourself!
Pumpkin Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup honey
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together rolled oats, chocolate chips, chia seeds, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and honey. Microwave on high for 45 seconds and stir to combine.
- Stir peanut butter mixture into the rolled oats until everything is combined evenly. The mixture should hold its shape. If it's too wet, add another 1/4 cup of rolled oats.
- Roll mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and press them into shape. Place the finished balls on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Repeat until all balls are formed.
- Store energy balls in the fridge for up to a week.
