These no bake pumpkin energy bites are a healthy snack option for both kids and adults made with oatmeal, almond butter, mini chocolate chips, and pumpkin pie spices. They are a delicious fall treat idea that kids can make for the whole family to enjoy.
In a food processor, add rolled oats, pumpkin spice, salt, coconut flakes, flax seed, and chia seeds and pulse until well blended and oats are cut up.
Add in honey, vanilla, pumpkin, and almond butter and combine on low speed until it becomes well blended and forms a ball of dough. At this stage, you can add more oats if you want a dryer and slightly chunky consistency.
Remove dough from the food processor and transfer it to a medium bowl. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls. Each bite is equal to about 1.5- 2 Tablespoons.
Make this in a stand mixer
Add all ingredients to a stand mixer.
Mix on low speed until well combined.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls. Each bite is equal to about 1.5- 2 Tablespoons.
Notes
If you don't have a food processor but still want that smoother textured energy bite, swap ingredients for finer ground ones.For example:
swap quick oats for rolled oats
swap 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed or whole wheat flour for the whole flax seeds
Skip the chia seeds
You can also easily substitute what you have on hand for the ingredients above. Here are some of the swaps you can make:
for the pumpkin spice: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, and a pinch of ground cloves
for the honey: maple syrup
for the almond butter: peanut butter or sunflower butter also can work although they will alter the taste slightly
Store the pumpkin energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you are planning on taking these on an outing of any kind, they store best in a container and not in a ziploc bag.I find it easiest to use a cookie scoop to get even sized portions. My favorite size is a medium 1.5 Tablespoon scoop for adults and older kids. For younger kids to preschool age I prefer to use a small .5 Tablespoon scoop.