When I first made these pumpkin energy bites, I didn’t expect them to turn out looking like tiny pumpkins, but they did—and they were adorable! They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, giving off that warm fall coziness in every bite. There’s no baking, no fuss, just a smooth mix of peanut butter, pumpkin, and protein powder, all held together with a sweet coating on the outside. I love how high protein, low carb, and sugar free they are, yet still taste like a treat you’d find at a Halloween party.
These little grab-and-go snacks have become my go-to dessert for busy fall days—and the best part is, they come together in just minutes. They’re festive, easy to store in the fridge, and honestly too cute not to love. Whether you’re prepping for parties or just want something quick to make on a chilly fall morning, these energy bites fit the mood of the season perfectly, every single time.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, pumpkin purée, liquid sweetener, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and dough-like.
2. Adjust the Texture if Needed
If the dough feels too sticky, add a spoonful of protein powder. If it feels too dry, mix in a splash more sweetener or a bit of pumpkin purée. The goal is a soft, rollable dough.
3. Roll Into Balls
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms to form smooth, round bites. This is where they start looking like mini pumpkins!
4. Shape the Pumpkin Look
Use a toothpick or butter knife to press gentle vertical lines around each bite, giving them that classic pumpkin-ridge look. Add a tiny chocolate chip, clove, or pretzel piece on top to mimic a pumpkin stem.
5. Chill Before Serving
Place the finished bites on a plate or lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Enjoy as a high-protein snack, a healthy fall dessert, or a festive Halloween treat. Store extras in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~142
- Protein: ~6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~4 g (net)
- Fat: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~1 g
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix everything in a bowl — stir together the peanut butter, pumpkin, sweetener, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until it forms a thick, doughy mix that holds its shape.
- Scoop and roll the dough using a cookie spoon (or your hands) into small balls. Make sure they’re even in size so they chill perfectly later.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sweetener and pumpkin spice for the coating. Roll each ball around gently until they’re covered in that sparkly layer of sweetness.
- For the fun part, grab a piece of kitchen twine and wrap it gently around each ball, pressing slightly to form ridges. Add a chocolate chip on top as the stem to complete the pumpkin look.
- Chill your creations in the fridge until they’re firm. When ready, grab a quick, festive, and high-protein snack — the perfect little pumpkin bite for fall.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
No twine? No worries! Grab a toothpick and gently press small lines around the sides to create those classic pumpkin ridges — same adorable look, no extra hassle. 🎃 Out of chocolate chips? Get creative with the stem — try using a pumpkin seed or even a tiny pretzel piece instead. It adds a fun little crunch and looks just as cute on top!FAQs
1. Can I make these bites keto or lower carb?
Yes! Use a keto-friendly protein powder and a sugar-free liquid sweetener like allulose or monk fruit. Peanut butter or almond butter also keeps them low carb and gluten-free.
2. What nut butters can I use?
Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, or mixed nut butter all work beautifully. Use smooth varieties for the best texture.
3. Can I use powdered sweetener instead of liquid?
Yes — simply add 1–2 tablespoons powdered erythritol or monk fruit and increase the pumpkin purée slightly to keep the mixture moist.
4. How long do these store?
These energy bites keep well in the refrigerator for 5–7 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Perfect for meal prep or quick grab-and-go snacks.
5. Can kids eat these?
Absolutely! They’re soft, naturally sweetened, and full of wholesome ingredients — great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, and fall celebrations.
6. How can I make them even more festive?
Roll in cinnamon, coat in crushed nuts, drizzle with melted sugar-free chocolate, or add edible glitter for a holiday-worthy healthy dessert.
