These pumpkin spice chocolate chip bites are the perfect fall snack and great for a healthy boost of energy.
They’re super easy, come together in minutes and satisfy that fall pumpkin craving in a healthy, gluten-free way.
I have an ongoing internal nightly battle.
My brain likes to tell me at 8pm every night (hey, it’s consistent) that it needs dessert.
My thighs like to simultaneously tell me “I know you just saw what I saw in the mirror upstairs before showering, don’t pretend that cellulite isn’t there”.
And that’s how I spend a good 15 minutes going back and forth in my head each night.
Guess who wins every time?
Looking for more snack bites? Try these apple cinnamon cookie bites or these cranberry orange oatmeal cookie bites – both are great for fall!
So, in an attempt to not eat the entire pie sitting in my fridge right now (because I just HAD to buy a whole pie last weekend from the local orchard’s bakery) these pumpkin spice chocolate chip bites were born.
They’re kind of a workhorse too because they’re a perfect snack before or after a workout (these powered me through 4 hours at CrossFit yesterday), a pumpkin fix since it’s that’s time of year, an “I don’t know what to make for lunch so I’ll just pop a few of these while I think” kind of food and of course, even dessert.
Because life’s too short to listen to your thighs and everyone should have dessert.
Especially when it’s a healthy, gluten free option.
I love the balance of gooey almond butter and pumpkin with the crunchy pepitas and chocolate chips in these fall bites.
Feel free to add-in other nuts, seeds or even dried fruit. Raisins, pecans, sunflower seeds or cranberries would be all fit the fall vibe well. This oat almond energy bite recipe is a good base actually to start from and swap ingredients from there.
And if you have leftover pepitas, use them to make homemade pumpkin seed butter. You can even use that in place of the almond butter in this recipe for a full-on pumpkin theme!
More pumpkin treats for fall
These pumpkin pie bites are adorable mini desserts perfect for any gathering. They’re perfect for a festive spread along with pumpkin biscotti or chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Pumpkin fudge is also a great indulgence this time of year and so easy to make with this no-bake recipe!
Pair these bites with a mug of pumpkin spice hot chocolate for a double pumpkin treat.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup oats
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the dates, almond butter and 1/2 cup of the oats in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix together until fully incorporated.
- Refrigerate the mixture for an hour (not necessary, but makes it easier to roll).
- Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
