No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls – These No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls? They’re basically fall wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. Imagine the cozy, warm flavor of pumpkin pie without the oven—and in a little snack, you can pop any time you need a boost. Assembled with cashew butter, real pumpkin, and a hint of maple, they’re tasty, easy, and a total game-changer for those of us who desire all things pumpkin.
The first time I made these, it was one of those chilly, drizzly fall days, and I just needed something cozy. I didn’t feel like baking a whole pie, but I wanted that warm pumpkin pie vibe—and these energy balls were born. My husband grabbed one right away and said, “Wow, these taste like autumn.” And my kid? Let’s just say he was reaching for seconds before I’d even finished making the first batch! Now, they’re our family’s little go-to snack for active mornings, afternoon cravings, and even movie nights. They’re so simple to make, but they never last long in our fridge!
What makes these No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls truly special?
You’re going to fall for these little bites, I promise. They bring together everything you love about pumpkin pie—smooth, spiced, a touch of sweetness—in a quick, no-bake treat that’s good for you, too! It’s like getting that pumpkin pie fix whenever you want, minus the sugar overload and baking hassle. They’re ideal for throwing into lunches, snacking on the go, or even enjoying with your coffee as an afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these in your fridge!
What You Need To Make This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls Recipe?
Paleo Flour: This is a blend of almond, coconut, and arrowroot flours, so it gives these energy balls a lovely, slightly nutty base. If you don’t have paleo flour, coconut or almond flour works just as well. It’s there to add a little structure without baking, making these bites sturdy enough to hold together.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Here’s where you get a little extra boost! The protein powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor and keeps you fuller, longer. If you’re not a protein powder person, you can skip it or add a little extra flour for texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is the heart of the recipe. You’ve got cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves all wrapped up in a cozy mix. It’s basically what makes these taste like little bites of pumpkin pie. Adjust to taste if you like it extra spicy or a bit more mild!
Cashew Butter: I love using cashew butter here because it’s creamy and mild, so it doesn’t overpower the pumpkin flavor. But honestly, any nut butter will work! Almond or peanut butter will add their own twist, but they’re both delicious alternatives.
Maple Syrup: Just a touch to sweeten things up naturally. You can also use honey if that’s what you have on hand, but I like how the maple flavor pairs with the pumpkin—it’s like fall in a spoonful!
Pumpkin Puree: The real star here! Just make sure you’re using plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. It adds a rich pumpkin flavor and keeps these energy balls moist and flavorful. Plus, a little pumpkin puree goes a long way in giving that true autumn feel.
Steps To Make No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls:
Let’s get cozy with some fall flavors: In a big bowl, mix together the paleo flour, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice. This is where all those warm, pumpkin-y flavors start to come together. Give it a nice stir to make sure everything’s blended.
Time to get gooey: In a separate bowl, take your cashew butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin puree. Pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, just to soften them up. It makes mixing so much easier!
Want To Save This Recipe?
Let’s bring it all together: Pour that warm, gooey cashew butter mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir until everything’s combined into a sticky dough. If it’s too sticky to handle, pop it in the freezer for around 10 minutes – just enough to firm it up a bit.
Roll with it: While the dough chills, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough’s ready, start rolling it into little bite-sized balls – aim for about 20. Place them on the baking sheet so they don’t stick together.
Chill time: Pop the baking sheet in the fridge and let the energy balls chill until they’re fully set. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them stored in the fridge, and you’ll have a batch of pumpkin-spiced goodness ready whenever you need a snack!
Tip:
For the best texture in these No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls, try toasting the flour just a bit before mixing it in! Spread the paleo flour (or coconut/almond flour) on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven at 300°F for around 5 minutes, stirring halfway. Toasting gives the flour a hint of nuttiness and a slightly drier texture, which helps the energy balls hold together beautifully. And if your dough is too sticky after mixing, don’t worry – a little extra chill time in the freezer (about 10-15 minutes) works wonders. Want more crunch? Toss in some finely chopped nuts or seeds, like pecans or chia seeds, for a texture boost. These small tweaks make the energy balls even better!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different nut butter instead of cashew butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute any nut butter you prefer, like almond or peanut butter. Just keep in mind that each nut butter will add its own flavor, which can give the energy balls a slightly different taste. If your nut butter is thicker, you may need to add a tiny bit more maple syrup or pumpkin puree to help with mixing.
Can I skip the protein powder?
Yes, you can! If you prefer not to use protein powder, feel free to leave it out. Just add a little extra paleo flour (about 1-2 tablespoons) to help maintain the dough’s consistency. It’ll still be delicious and packed with flavor.
How long do these energy balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these pumpkin pie energy balls will stay fresh for up to a week. You can even freeze them for up to a month if you want to make a big batch ahead of time – just let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp paleo flour I love using Bob's Red Mill, but coconut or almond flour works just as well
- 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 c cashew butter I use Betsy's Best, but any nut butter you like will work perfectly
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey whichever you prefer
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Start by mixing the flour, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl until they’re well blended.
- In a separate bowl, warm up the cashew butter, maple syrup (or honey), and pumpkin puree in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. You want it just softened enough so everything stirs together smoothly.
- Now, pour this warm cashew butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir it all up until you have a nice, even dough. Pop the bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes—just enough to firm up the dough so it’s easier to handle.
- Once it's ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into about 20 small balls and place them on the sheet. Let them chill in the fridge until they’re set, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy your tasty little bites whenever you need a quick energy boost!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
