Name: No Bake Pumpkin Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required—ready in minutes.
Perfect for fall but delicious year-round.
Kid-friendly, portable, and great for snacks on the go.
Can be made healthier with natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients.
Freezer-friendly for long-term storage.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin puree
Old-fashioned oats
Peanut butter (or almond butter)
Honey or maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger blend)
Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, nut butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in oats, pumpkin spice, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until set.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 pumpkin balls. Prep time is 15 minutes, plus 20–30 minutes chilling time.

Variations

Roll in shredded coconut, crushed graham crackers, or cocoa powder for coating.
Add chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
Swap chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins.
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Dip in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store pumpkin balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or enjoy straight from the freezer. No reheating is required.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, just cook and mash it until smooth, but make sure it’s not too watery.

Do I need to cook the oats?

No, old-fashioned oats work perfectly raw in this recipe.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I skip the nut butter?

Nut butter helps bind the mixture, but you can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, 1–2 scoops of vanilla or unflavored protein powder works well.

Why is my mixture too sticky?

Chill it longer or add more oats until it holds shape.

Why are my pumpkin balls too dry?

Add a little more nut butter or pumpkin puree to fix the texture.

Do they taste strongly of pumpkin?

They have a mild pumpkin flavor balanced by spices and sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all the ingredients and store extras in the freezer.

Conclusion

No Bake Pumpkin Balls are an easy, wholesome, and flavorful snack that celebrates the cozy taste of pumpkin spice. With their chewy texture, natural sweetness, and endless customization options, they’re perfect for fall snacking or anytime you want a simple, no-bake treat. Whether for lunchboxes, holiday trays, or quick bites on the go, these pumpkin balls are sure to become a seasonal favorite.