Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter offers a healthier fat profile, while sunflower seed butter is a cost-effective nut-free option.

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener, while agave syrup can be less expensive.

Soak 1 cup of dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften and remove the pits.

Add the soaked, pitted dates to a food processor.

For an alternative, replace the dates with 1/3 cup of peanut or almond butter and about 1/4 cup of maple syrup or a sugar-free liquid alternative.

Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree to the food processor.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, along with a pinch of salt.

Close the food processor lid and blend everything until smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Add 1 cup of roasted almonds (or other nuts like cashews, peanuts, or pecans) and 1/4 cup of chia seeds.

Pulse continuously to combine the ingredients and coarsely chop the nuts, being careful not to blend too long.

Check the mixture; if it's very soft, chill it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.

Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls between your hands.

Optionally, roll some of the energy bites in desiccated coconut.

Transfer the energy bites to an airtight container and store in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for up to three months.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens