Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

It’s that time of year where we add pumpkin spice to just about everything! These Fall- inspired energy balls are one of my favorite snacks that help prevent major blood- sugar crashes throughout the day. These can be modified to work with any ingredients you have on hand, or any flavors that you’re craving. I find that the combination protein, fiber, and fat really help keep my hunger at by, and the natural sugars help satisfy my ongoing sweet tooth. The best part is, you can make these in bulk, freeze them, and pop them out whenever you need a healthy and satisfying snack.

For the Balls

1 1/4 cup gluten- free oats

1 1/4 cup raw pecan halves (or any nut on hand)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (¾ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp clove, ⅛ tsp nutmeg)

1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey, coconut sugar, agave, etc.)

1/4 heaping teaspoon sea salt

1 tsp chia seeds

** Option to add 1 tablespoon of pureed pumpkin for a deeper pumpkin flavor

 

For the Coating:

½ cup pecans

1 T coconut sugar

 

  1. Add the “topping” ingredients to a food processor and pulse until small chunks appear (don’t allow it to become a paste). Place aside in a bowl.

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  3. Add in the pecans to your food processor, and pulse a few times to break them down a bit before adding in the other ingredients.

  4. Add in the salt, pumpkin pie spice, oats, oil, and maple syrup and chia seeds.Mix in the food processor until well combined and the mixture forms a dough.

  5. Using a spoon, scoop the dough onto the parchment lined baking sheet.

  6. Roll the dough into balls using your hands, then coat each one in the pecan/ coconut sugar mixture. 

  7. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes

**These can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 week

 

 

Haley Peck