Looking for a quick snack that feels like fall in every bite? These no bake Pumpkin Energy Balls come together in minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients. They’re packed with cozy fall flavors like creamy pumpkin, almond butter, hearty oats, a drizzle of maple syrup, rich chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The best part? These tasty little bites are vegan, gluten-free, and the perfect little bite to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-workout snack, or a festive treat to share, these pumpkin bites are a tasty way to celebrate the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthy snack: Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with healthy fats, these bites are a nutritious way to satisfy your cravings.
- An easy recipe: Everything comes together in one bowl—just mix, scoop, and roll into balls. No baking required!
- Big batch: This recipe makes about 44 pumpkin balls, which makes them perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go snacking.
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Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes
I based this recipe on my tried-and-true Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Balls, so you can trust it works (there’s a specific balance of chunky and smooth ingredients). Stick to the recipe as written and you’ll get pumpkin energy bites that roll together easily and stay firm with no crumbling mess. That said, a couple of ingredients can be swapped without changing the outcome.
- Oats: I use quick oats for the best texture since they’re smaller than old-fashioned oats.
- Nut Butter: Creamy almond butter pairs perfectly with the oats and pumpkin.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Keeps the recipe vegan, but you can swap it with pure honey and still get the same result.
- Pumpkin Purée: Make sure to use real pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling (sometimes called pumpkin pie mix), which already has sweeteners and spices. You can usually find pumpkin puree in the baking aisle at the grocery store. I haven’t tested this recipe with homemade pumpkin puree, so stick to the canned stuff for best results.
- Spice: I use cinnamon, but you can swap in pumpkin pie spice for more of that classic pumpkin pie flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips work best. I haven’t tested this with regular-size chips, but they may throw off the ingredient ratio.
How to Make Pumpkin Energy Balls
Here’s a quick look at the steps with photos. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
Mix with a sturdy rubber spatula, or large spoon, until well combined.
Scoop the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
Shape into balls and store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not strictly necessary, but chilling the mixture for about 20 minutes can make it easier to roll and keep it from sticking to your hands.
If stored properly in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, they should stay good for a couple of weeks.
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
Try These Oatmeal Recipes Next!
We love oats and try to sneak them into as many dishes as we can! From classic oatmeal to baked and overnight oats, we even add them to our favorite muffins, bars, cakes, and cookies. Here are some of our top oatmeal picks:
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Pumpkin Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick oats
- ¾ cup almond butter
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup pure maple syrup not pancake syrup
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tsp cinnamon OR pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix with a sturdy rubber spatula or large spoon.
- Chill Mixture: Scoop out onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
- Shape Balls: Shape into balls and return to the fridge on the sheet pan until firm.
- Store: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.