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Healthy Pumpkin Energy Bites with Chocolate Chips

chef Laya
Soft, no-bake pumpkin energy bites with mini chocolate chips. Ready in minutes, naturally sweetened, and perfect for meal prep, pre-workout snacks, or kid-friendly healthy snacks.
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Prepr Time 10 minutes
ToTal Time 10 minutes
Type of plate Snack
kitchen American
Serving 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup 120 g plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 1/3 cup 85 g almond butter or peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 90–100 g rolled oats (old-fashioned oats; use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg

Pinch of sea salt

  • 1/4 cup 35–40 g mini chocolate chips (dairy-free or vegan if desired)

Optional boosters:

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds
  • 1 scoop about 30 g vanilla or unflavored protein powder (adjust oats or nut butter if dough gets too dry)

Instructions
 

Prepare tools and ingredients

  • Gather a food processor or blender, a mixing bowl, a spatula, a cookie scoop or tablespoon, and an airtight container. Measure all ingredients before you start.

Mix wet ingredients

  • In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, almond butter (or peanut butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Blend or stir until smooth and well combined.

Add dry ingredients

  • Add rolled oats, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice (or nutmeg), and a pinch of sea salt. Blend or mix until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and uniform.
  • If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons more pumpkin puree or nut butter.
  • If it feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more oats.

Fold in chocolate chips (and optional boosters)

  • Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl if needed. Gently fold in mini chocolate chips. If using, add ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or protein powder and mix until evenly distributed.

Shape the bites

  • Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Chill to set

  • Place the bites on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes, or until firm. For longer storage, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Store and serve

  • Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. Enjoy straight from the fridge as a quick, healthy snack.