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    Home ▸ Vegan Snacks

    Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

    Last modified: October 5, 2022. Originally posted: September 28, 2020 By Sophia DeSantis

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Text overlay on pumpkin energy balls with a photo of them in an orange bowl
    Pumpkin energy ball being rolled in crushed graham crackers in a glass bowl
    Collage of a bowl of pumpkin energy balls and one with a bite out with text overlay

    These pumpkin energy balls are the perfect snack. Only seven ingredients and five minutes to make a healthy treat for the whole family!

    Orange bowl with a pile of pumpkin energy balls and some covered in graham crackers
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    This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of NOW Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.

    This recipe was originally published on 10/29/18

    While I love me some Halloween candy (omg those peanut butter cups), I don't like the feeling the day after I pass out knee deep in candy wrappers (oopsie), so making these treats that are both healthy and taste great has been a saviour!

    We've all been there, including me. I now buy our Halloween candy early (yes, I buy Halloween candy), then hide it in the cupboard until my kids remind me we need candy and I have to think to remember where I put it.

    Every year I try and find ways to satisfy my fall sweet tooth a bit better than shoveling candy into my face. After you all went all nutso over my protein brownie bites, and then asked for more flavors, I set out to conquer another. And here we are. Pumpkin pie, in pumpkin energy ball form.

    Ingredients

    All you need for these delicious and healthy treats are 7 simple ingredients:

    Top view of ingredients for pumpkin energy balls
    • Hard cookies or graham crackers
    • Unflavored pea protein powder
    • Pumpkin spice
    • Sea salt
    • Almond butter
    • Pumpkin puree
    • Maple syrup (my favorite maple syrup is the one by NOW Foods)
    A cream colored container of maple syrup on a grey surface

    How to Make Pumpkin Energy Balls

    These pumpkin energy balls come together faster than you can rip into a bag of store bought Halloween candy. They taste like pumpkin pie, give you the energy of a protein shake and have the health benefits of broccoli.

    Ok, maybe I lied on the broccoli part, but it's definitely healthier than a snickers bar.

    1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.Ingredients for pumpkin energy balls being mixed in a white bowl
    2. Stir until smooth, then chill. Spoon mixing dough for pumpkin energy balls in a white bowl
    3. Roll into balls and devour! Hand holding a pumpkin pie energy ball with a bite out

    I would highly recommend stocking these in your kitchen. And hide a few in the cupboard, especially if you have thief children that steal your profits without shame.

    Optional variations

    If you make these as often as we do, you may want some ideas on keeping these exciting. A fun way to add more texture is to roll the balls in extra crushed crackers to form a 'crust'.Pumpkin energy ball being rolled in crushed graham crackers in a glass bowl

    Here are some other things I have mixed in as well that we loved:

    • shredded coconut
    • walnuts
    • peanuts
    • chocolate chips
    • pistachios
    • hemp seeds
    • pumpkin seeds
    • sunflower seeds

    Different protein powder choices

    My favorite type of protein powder is pea protein. I like it because it is simple (made with peas), low in carbs and fat, I like the flavor and it's vegan. But there are other options you can try as well:

    • Hemp
    • Soy
    • Brown rice
    • Plant mix
    • Whey, casein or egg- these are not vegan

    Depending on what you you want in a protein powder will depend on which one is best for you. Flavor is the biggest issue so trying them all and seeing what you like is a good first step.

    Tips and tricks

    • The perfect size for these vegan pumpkin balls is about 2 inches.
    • Use any hard type cookie you prefer, a graham type works best, just make sure it can be crushed easily. I easily crushed my cookies by putting them in a plastic bag and using the back end of a wooden spoon.
    • To make this nut free leave out the pecans and use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
    • If your almond butter is dry you may need more liquid. Add pumpkin, water or milk slowly to get the consistency you prefer.
    • If you do not have or don't want to use a protein powder, you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount.
    • The best way to store these is in an airtight container on the countertop. The outer cookie, if you use it, may soften or get stale if left too long so keep that in mind. Transfer them to the fridge after a few days

    Common Questions

    Are energy balls actually healthy?

    It really depends on the ingredients inside, like anything. If you're using whole foods, then yes they are a great choice in treats. But if you're using refined sugars, then they may not be the best choice.
    Even though I definitely still use sugar from time to time, because balance, I try and pick more natural unrefined sugars when I can. Maple syrup is one of my top picks.

    And when it comes to maple syrup, the brand 100% matters. Have you ever had bad maple syrup? Yeah, gross. Real maple syrup needs that rich, warm, woody flavor that draws you in like a blanket. It's unlike anything else, and it sweetens treats with perfection.

    I have talked about it before, back in my recipe for maple roasted carrots, but my favorite maple syrup is the one by NOW Foods. It is super rich, thick and sweet, warm and delicious. As if you were eating it right out of the sugar house pots. No wonder it gives raw treats such incredible flavor.Hand drizzling maple syrup into a white bowl

    Do energy bites have to be refrigerated?

    If you eat them within a few days, and I can pretty much guarantee you'll devour them day 1, then you can keep these in an airtight container on the countertop.

    If you happen to have leftovers, maybe you lose your tastebuds for a few days, then put them in the fridge where they can last for a week.

    What are energy balls?

    Energy balls, also known as protein balls are usually comprised of ingredients that boast protein, good carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. They're generally shelf stable which makes them easy to bring on the go for a healthy snack!

    Related Recipes

    Need more energy? Check out these other vegan snack recipes:

    • Peanut Butter Balls
    • Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls
    • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
    • No Bake Protein Energy Balls
    • Caramel Peanut Protein Truffles
    • Brownie Batter Bites
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    Orange bowl with a pile of pumpkin energy balls and some covered in graham crackers

    Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls

    Sophia DeSantis
    These pumpkin energy balls are the perfect snack. Only seven ingredients and five minutes to make a healthy treat for the whole family!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 73 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ½ cup crushed hard cookies or graham crackers , plus extra if you want to coat them after (use vegan to keep this fully vegan, gluten free if needed)
    • 2 tablespoons unflavored pea protein powder , or oat flour (16 grams if measuring oat flour)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ cup almond butter , may need more liquid if yours is too dry (see note)
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (I use NOW Foods brand)
    • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
    • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans , optional

    Instructions
     

    • Put the cookies, pea protein or oat flour, pumpkin spice, salt and pecans, if using, in a bowl. Mix to combine.
    • Add the almond butter, maple syrup and pumpkin. Mix well. A fork helps combine everything well.
    • Chill while you clean up.
    • Roll into balls.
    • If you want, you can then roll the balls in extra crushed cookies so they have an outer “crust,” this is totally optional but easy and delicious!

    Notes

    • These make 10 balls about 2 inches in size.
    • You can use any hard type cookie you prefer, a graham type works best, just make sure it can be crushed easily. I easily crushed my cookies by putting them in a plastic bag and using the back end of a wooden spoon.
    • To make this nut free leave out the pecans and use sunbutter, this will change the flavor slightly but will allow it to be completely allergy friendly.
    • You can sub another kind of protein powder, just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
    • If your almond butter is dry you may need more liquid. Add pumpkin, water or milk slowly to get the consistency you prefer.
    • If you do not have, or do not want to use, a protein powder, you can sub oat flour. Use the same amount.
    • Nutrition info does not include the pecans.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 0gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 465IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 0.7mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    1. Chelsee

      September 28, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      These are unbelievable! So good.

      Reply
    2. Cassie Thuvan Tran

      November 06, 2018 at 9:21 am

      Just add a greens powder and then these glorious little bites will have the benefits of broccoli, LOL! Personally, I wouldn't do that given that it might not taste good, BUT I did try these spirulina almond butter bites and thought they were delicious, so maybe a little touch of it would work! Anyhow, these pumpkin protein balls look magnificent and I would love to try making them someday! The way they look are absolutely adorable!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 07, 2018 at 11:08 pm

        Ha! Yes, sneaking in those veggies every way possible isn't a bad thing! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Karen - Kupon Girl

      November 01, 2018 at 7:50 am

      I love anything with pumpkin in it! These pumpkin balls look pretty easy to make! I'm pretty sure my parents would love to try these! Thanks for sharing your recipe! 🙂

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2018 at 1:12 pm

        Thanks so much! They really are super simple. Hope you like them!

        Reply
    4. The Vegan 8

      October 30, 2018 at 9:56 pm

      These look fantastic and if these don't scream fall, I don't know what does! Love every single ingredient and I may be dribbling with a pool of drool over here, haha! They look so fudgy!!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        October 31, 2018 at 11:01 am

        Thanks so much friend! I need some quick and easy snacks for these monster children I have that eat me out of house and home!

        Reply
    5. JD

      October 29, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      I literally shoved 4 in my mouth and kept grabbing for more. These were delicious.

      Reply

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