By: Sarah Lohm, Dietetic Intern
Power balls are a simple, go-to snack—easy to grab for breakfast or on the run. Adding a seasonal touch, like pumpkin, keeps them interesting and adds natural flavor and moisture, making these Pumpkin Power Balls a practical and tasty option to keep on hand all fall (or winter) long!
Pumpkin Power Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2-3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- a dash sea salt
Instructions
- To a medium-large bowl, combine oats, almond butter, honey, pumpkin purée, and spices.
- Once well incorporated, mix in dark chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds. Fold to combine.
- Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, scoop the mixture. Using your hands, roll into a ball formation and set aside. Recipe yields ~22 balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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The recipe above is a delicious combination, but don’t feel like you have to follow it exactly. Think of it as a starting point: swap ingredients, adjust flavors, and add mix-ins to suit your taste. The goal is simple: create a snack you’ll actually want to eat!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Oats: My recipe uses rolled oats as the base, but any oats will work. Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture, and quick oats will make for a softer finished product. You can even use oat flour (simply made by tossing oats in a blender!), if you want a smoother ball. The idea is just to have something to hold everything together.
Nut Butter: I used almond butter, but peanut, cashew, or any nut butter will all work. If you prefer a milder flavor or are avoiding nuts, try tahini or sunflower seed butter. Use enough to bind the mixture, but don’t stress over exact measurements.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin puree adds moisture and seasonal flavor, but sweet potato, butternut squash, or even mashed banana or applesauce can work just as well!
Sweetener: I went with honey, but maple syrup or agave work be great alternatives. Feel free to add more or less depending on your taste preferences!
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give that classic fall vibe, but feel free to experiment: pumpkin pie spice, cloves, cardamom, or a pinch of cocoa powder. Pick flavors that make you excited to eat them. If you think you could get tired of the same flavor, consider splitting your base mixture in half and experimenting with different spices for new tastes!
Mix-ins: While my recipe uses chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, nuts, cacao nibs, or even mini peanut butter chips are all fair game. The goal is texture and enjoyment—choose what you love!
Optional Boosts: Want extra fiber or protein? Chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, or protein powder can easily be stirred in.
Let’s Get Started!
STEP ONE:
To a medium-large bowl, combine the oats, honey, nut butter, purée, and seasonings. Stir to combine. Fold in chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds.
STEP TWO:
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, roll the mixture into balls. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 5 days!
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU TRY IT!
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