Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Now that it’s officially fall, we can officially bring you everything… pumpkin!! Sorry for those that don’t love this seasonal craze. My friend Jonah sent me a really interesting article on WHY people love pumpkin so much. It’s not necessarily the pumpkin flavor itself, but the nostalgic and warm associations people have with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the pumpkin spice blends. Those flavors are often ones we associate with the holidays. For many, the holiday season means gathering with family and friends, a nod back to childhood, and a time when life was just a little more… simple. Even when it’s rounding 90 degrees in St. Louis, people crave that feeling of comfort and joy brought to you by none other than a PSL from a friendly green siren… and also every coffee shop and grocery store in America.

Joining in the craze, we made these seasonal pumpkin spice energy bites as a healthier way to snack and enjoy the fall flavors. Don’t worry, we’re still making Nana’s famous pumpkin muffins… but these are a nice healthy option in the realm of fall sweets.

They couldn’t be more simple to make. Simple blend all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor, stir in the chocolate chips, roll into balls, and enjoy! They keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.

I didn’t expect Neil to like these as much as I do as he’s not the biggest PSL fan, but somehow all of these bites have disappeared from the fridge, and I don’t think our toddler has figured out how to open the fridge door yet, although she loves them too! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and that they add some seasonal goodness and nostalgia to your day, even if it’s still 90 degrees out there.

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes!

Ingredients:

1.5 cups old fashioned oats

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup creamy almond butter

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice OR cinnamon

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or… 1 cup… depending on how you’re feeling today)

Preparation:

Place all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor and pulse until the dough comes together and ingredients are mixed evenly. Transfer to a bowl and use a spoon to mix in the chocolate chips. Roll dough into 2″ rounds. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.

Makes about 20 bites