Pumpkin energy bites are the perfect Fall snack! These no-bake treats combine heart-healthy oats, filling peanut butter, and real pumpkin puree into a treat that takes less than 30 minutes all in.

They’re nutritious, sweet, and SO easy to make. And they almost taste like cookie dough!

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe card, or keep reading for extra tips!

Ingredients and Variations

These little bites are full of spice and good-for-you ingredients. Let’s break down the simple ingredients below:

• Rolled oats: These are heart-healthy whole grains with plenty of fiber to keep you full! Quick oats are okay to use too.
• Peanut butter: Full of healthy fats and some protein! Feel free to use another nut butter instead, like creamy almond butter or cashew butter.
• Vanilla: I use imitation vanilla because it’s cheaper, but you can use pure vanilla extract.
• Honey: A sweetener and helps to bind the energy bites! You can also use maple syrup instead.
• Chia seeds: These little guys have a ton of fiber and healthy fats, and add a nice texture.
• Cinnamon: This was all I had. But you can use pumpkin spice if you have it!
• Chocolate chips: The best part! I use mini chocolate chips but feel free to use whatever you have.

Equipment needed

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• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Small baking sheet

Can you freeze these?

These pumpkin energy balls are definitely freezer friendly! To start, place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and stick them in the freezer for 2-3 hours- this is called flash freezing.

After they’ve frozen, add them to a gallon-sized freezer bag that’s been labeled, or a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!

How to make

In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin, vanilla, and honey.

Next, add the oats, chia seeds, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. Use a spoon to combine, adding more oats if the batter seems too sticky.

Place the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to let the dough firm.

Use a cookie scoop to scoop up the dough, and roll into balls with your hands. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Dietary Adaptations

Do you have any special dietary needs? Here are some ways you can alter the recipe:

• Gluten-free: Make sure that the oats you buy are certified gluten free
• Nut allergy: You can substitute with any kind of seed butter or nut-free butter
• Low sugar: You can leave out the honey if you want less added sugar. Keep an eye on the dough because you may need to add extra peanut butter or pumpkin to it.

Extra tips

• Wet your hands! These energy bites can be sticky when you’re rolling them. You can put a bit of cooking spray on your hands, or run your hands under water for a second. It really helps!
• Chill the dough before rolling! This helps make the dough easier to work with.

How to eat these

• Pre-workout snack: I’d eat these before a run or workout to keep my stomach from grumbling!
• Kids lunchbox: My daughter Allison LOVES energy bites, and they add a lot of satiety to her lunch.
• Afternoon snack: I get hungry a couple hours before dinner, so a couple of these help stave off that hunger a bit longer.
• Evening dessert: These sweet treats are perfect for a light evening snack!

More Pumpkin Recipes

Looking for more pumpkin goodness? Here are my favorite snacks and breakfast ideas that use your leftover canned pumpkin:

• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Oat Muffins
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
• Pumpkin Overnight Oats
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread