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Harvest Spice Energy Balls

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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats The backbone. Adds fiber and texture for satisfying bites.
  • Almond butter or peanut butter (1/2 cup): Creamy binder with protein and healthy fats. Choose unsweetened.
  • 1/3 cup Pumpkin purée Moisture, color, and true fall flavor—no artificial vibes.
  • 3–4 tablespoons Maple syrup Natural sweetness and subtle caramel notes. Adjust to taste.
  • Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (2 tablespoons): Fiber and omega-3s; helps bind the mixture.
  • 2 teaspoons Pumpkin pie spice Quick hit of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Extra cinnamon For warmth and aroma. Yes, it's worth it.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Rounds out the sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea salt Balances flavors and makes the spices pop.
  • 1/3 cup Mini dark chocolate chips Optional, but let's be real—you want them.
  • Chopped dried cranberries or raisins (1/3 cup): Tart-chewy contrast to the warm spices.
  • Pepitas pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup; Crunch and a little protein. Very on-brand for fall.
  • Optional coating Finely shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or cinnamon-sugar dust.

Method
 

  1. Mix the dry base. In a large bowl, combine oats, flaxseed/chia, pumpkin pie spice, extra cinnamon, salt, pepitas, and dried fruit.
  2. Stir the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk almond butter, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
  3. Bring it together. Pour the wet mixture over the dry and fold with a spatula. If using chocolate chips, add them once the mixture has cooled slightly so they don't melt.
  4. Adjust texture. If the mixture feels too wet, add 2–3 tablespoons more oats. Too dry? Add 1 tablespoon more maple or a splash of almond milk.
  5. Chill briefly. Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. It firms up and rolls easier.
  6. Roll into balls. Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon per ball and roll between your palms. Aim for walnut-sized bites.
  7. Optional upgrade. Roll in coconut, crushed grahams, or a pinch of cinnamon-sugar for a bakery finish.
  8. Set and store. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate 30 minutes to set before transferring to an airtight container.