It was one of those crisp autumn mornings where the light slanted just so through my kitchen window. I had a warm mug in hand and a few minutes of quiet before the day began. I wanted something cozy, quick, and nourishing — that’s when these pumpkin chocolate chip energy bites came to life. With warm cinnamon and sweet pumpkin purée, they feel like a bite of fall, but they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients. I always keep a batch ready for a snack or breakfast on the go.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
These pumpkin chocolate chip energy bites truly feel like a treat, yet they’re packed with wholesome goodness. They are healthy, no-bake, and quick to prepare. You only need a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes from start to finish.
Also, they’re naturally sweetened and filled with plant-based protein, thanks to PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder. With gluten-free and vegan options, they fit right into almost any lifestyle. Perfect as a quick snack, a breakfast bite, or something to grab before heading out the door, they offer that cozy pumpkin-cinnamon flavor we all crave this time of year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Protein Powder
I recommend using PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder here. It blends beautifully with the pumpkin purée and keeps the texture just right. Avoid whey-based powders, which can make the mixture sticky. If you choose a different plant-based powder, adjust the moisture by adding more powder or a splash of milk.
Oats
Old-fashioned oats give these bites a satisfying chew. You can swap for quick-cooking oats if you prefer a softer texture. However, steel-cut oats won’t work as they stay too tough.
Sweeteners
Truvia gives gentle sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors. You can swap in liquid stevia (use about 1/8 teaspoon) or another sweetener. If you use a liquid sweetener, adjust by reducing pumpkin purée or adding more protein powder to keep the mixture thick enough to roll.
Pumpkin Purée
Be sure to use canned pumpkin purée — not pumpkin pie mix. The pure pumpkin keeps the flavor clean and lets you control the sweetness.
Chocolate Chips
Miniature chocolate chips scatter little bursts of rich chocolate throughout each bite. If you want a dairy-free or vegan option, use vegan mini chips.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites
First, grab a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together your oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and Truvia until evenly mixed. Then, stir in the pumpkin purée until you have a thick, uniform dough.
Next, gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If needed, add a touch more protein powder to firm it up.
Then divide the mixture into 30 small portions. Roll each gently into a ball — they should be about 1 inch or smaller in diameter. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips for Perfect Energy Bites
- If the dough feels sticky, add more protein powder a teaspoon at a time.
- Chill the mixture for 10 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized bites.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
- For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag and thaw as needed.
Dietary Notes & Variations
Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free oats for anyone who needs to avoid gluten.
Dairy-Free / Vegan Option
Swap in vegan miniature chocolate chips to keep these bites fully plant-based and dairy-free.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites Recipe Card
PrintPumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Bites (Easy, Healthy, No-Bake)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 30 bites 1x
Description
Bite-sized, protein-packed, healthy snacks with cozy pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
1 cup (100g) old-fashioned oats (gluten free if needed)
2 scoops (60g) PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp Truvia (or adjust to taste)
1 cup (244g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 tbsp (28g) miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Whisk oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and Truvia in a medium bowl.
2. Stir in pumpkin purée until smooth and thick.
3. Fold in miniature chocolate chips.
4. Divide mixture into 30 small portions.
5. Roll each portion into a ball.
6. Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days.
Notes
Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Choose vegan chocolate chips for a dairy-free or vegan option.
Quick-cooking oats can be used for a softer bite.
Adjust moisture if using different protein powder or sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Pumpkin Recipes
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Related Recipes to Try
If you love cozy pumpkin treats, you might enjoy my Soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies recipe for a tender, comforting cookie.
Or, cozy up with a warm bowl of Easy pumpkin baked oatmeal for a cozy breakfast — perfect for chilly mornings.
And if you’re looking for another healthy snack, don’t miss my Flourless pumpkin muffins recipe for healthy snacking.
Finally, treat yourself to a square of Pumpkin cheesecake bars with a creamy swirl for a decadent fall dessert.
For more cozy seasonal inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards filled with easy, homey recipes!
FAQ
When should I eat energy balls?
You can enjoy these energy bites any time! They’re great before or after workouts, as a snack between meals, or even as a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
How to dip energy balls in chocolate?
Melt chocolate gently and let it cool slightly. Then roll your chilled energy bites in the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift them out. Place on parchment to set.
How many calories are in pumpkin chocolate chip cookies?
While these bites aren’t cookies, they’re much lighter. Each bite is small and packed with healthy ingredients, making them a lower-calorie option than typical pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.
Why are energy bites good for you?
They’re bite-sized, portion-controlled, and packed with protein and fiber. Also, they give a quick boost of energy and keep you feeling full longer.
How long do energy bites last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
What’s the healthiest snack to make?
These pumpkin chocolate chip energy bites are a wonderful healthy snack. They combine whole grains, plant-based protein, and just enough sweetness for satisfaction.