Pin It A wholesome, grab-and-go snack that combines earthy matcha, sweet pumpkin, and warming spices for an energizing treat reminiscent of pumpkin muffins.
After experimenting with these ingredients to satisfy my pumpkin muffin craving, these energy balls became my favorite snack to power up busy afternoons.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 1 cup (certified gluten-free if needed)
- Almond flour: 1/2 cup
- Ground flaxseed: 2 tbsp
- Pumpkin pie spice: 1 1/2 tsp
- Matcha green tea powder: 1 tbsp
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 tsp
- Pumpkin purée: 1/2 cup (unsweetened)
- Pure maple syrup: 1/4 cup
- Almond butter: 1/2 cup (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Mini dark chocolate chips: 1/3 cup (dairy-free if needed)
- Pumpkin seeds: 2 tbsp, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, almond flour, ground flaxseed, pumpkin pie spice, matcha powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Whisk wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Make dough:
- Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in mix-ins:
- Fold in chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.
- Shape balls:
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Garnish:
- Optional: Press a few extra pumpkin seeds onto the top of each ball for garnish.
- Chill:
- Place energy balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Pin It My family loves grabbing these muffins energy balls before heading out to weekend activities. It has become a sweet tradition for our morning outings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, tablespoon or cookie scoop, baking tray, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almond flour, almond butter), possible soy (chocolate chips). Nut-free option available as noted. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per ball (based on 16): Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin It Store the energy balls in an airtight container for lasting freshness. Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free?
Yes, regular rolled oats work if you don't need the balls to be gluten-free. Ensure quality for best texture.
- → What can I substitute for almond butter?
Sunflower seed butter or other seed butters work well for nut-free versions and still provide creamy texture.
- → What other mix-ins could I add?
Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, coconut flakes, or nuts to change up the flavor and texture.
- → How long do these energy balls keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to one week.
- → Does the matcha flavor taste strong?
The matcha adds an earthy note but is balanced by pumpkin, spices, and chocolate chips for a mild, pleasant flavor.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. They can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week as quick snacks or breakfast bites.