These Pumpkin Cranberry Energy Bites are little balls of delight! With sweet pumpkin and tart cranberries, they pack a tasty punch while being super healthy.
They’re perfect for a quick snack, and I love having them on busy days. Just mix, roll, and enjoy—who knew healthy could be so easy and fun? 🎃❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide a great base and add fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work too, but avoid instant oats since they’ll change the texture.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is my go-to. If you’re allergic or prefer a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be great alternatives!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, just make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars. For freshness, you can also use homemade pumpkin puree.
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet and tart flavor. If you’re out, raisins or chopped dates can be nice substitutes, or try adding dried cherries for a different twist!
Pumpkin Seeds: While optional, I love adding these for crunch and nutrients! If you can’t find pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds make a nice substitute.
How Do I Properly Combine the Ingredients?
Mixing well is key to ensure all ingredients come together and the energy bites hold their shape. Follow these simple tips:
- Start with a large bowl to give yourself space to mix.
- Combine all dry ingredients first. This helps distribute spices and oats evenly.
- Then add in the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until sticky and unified.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more peanut butter or pumpkin to get the right consistency.
Once combined, get your hands slightly damp to help roll the bites without sticking. Enjoy making and munching on these bites! 🍂
How to Make Pumpkin Cranberry Energy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then another 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have delicious energy bites ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Give the mixture a good stir to get everything evenly mixed. This will help the flavors shine through later!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the peanut butter, canned pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and sticky. If it seems too dry, don’t hesitate to add a bit more peanut butter or pumpkin puree to reach the right consistency.
3. Fold in Extras:
Now it’s time to add the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds (if using). Gently fold them into the mixture so that they’re evenly distributed throughout the energy bites.
4. Shape the Bites:
With clean hands or a small cookie scoop, begin shaping the mixture into bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 12-15 bites depending on the size!
5. Chill the Bites:
Place the energy bites on a lined baking sheet or plate. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. This step really helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to enjoy later.
6. Store or Enjoy:
Once your bites are chilled, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Perfect for a quick snack or energy boost whenever you need it!
Now, go ahead and enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Cranberry Energy Bites—packed with flavor and nutrition! 🍂🌟
Can I Substitute the Nut Butter?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as great alternatives. Just ensure the texture is similar for best results!
How Long Do These Energy Bites Last?
These energy bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’d like them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months—just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make Them Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. All the other ingredients are already plant-based!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just steam or roast the pumpkin, then puree it until smooth. Make sure the puree is not too watery to maintain the right consistency in the energy bites.
