No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bliss Balls Recipe (Vegan)
A yummy, no-bake, protein-packed snack for kids and adults! These Pumpkin Pie Bliss Balls are easy to make, full of all the good stuff, and vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free! A budget-friendly, healthy treat for every family on the go.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What are Bliss Balls?
Bliss balls, also known as energy balls or protein balls, are small, bite-sized snacks made from a combination of wholesome ingredients such as dried fruit, whole grains, dates, seeds, nuts, and more.
These nutrient-rich ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and dietary fiber that contribute to a great healthy snack. Because they contain natural sources of carbohydrates and healthy fats, they provide a quick and sustained energy boost.
These bite-sized balls are also super easy to make and convenient for on-the-go snacking for busy families. Plus, they’re more budget-friendly than store-bought alternatives and have no processed ingredients!
What Makes This Recipe Great
It’s just about time for Pumpkin to take over our shelves again, and what is better than a protein-packed, pumpkin-pie-flavored treat that is healthy, super easy, and absolutely delicious? This Bliss Balls recipe could not be easier, and they are the PERFECT Whole30, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free snack on the go!
They taste just like a mini pumpkin pie – except they have no refined sugars and have the most nutritious ingredients. The best part is that this recipe is super versatile. Use it as a base and add in whatever different flavors/spices you want if pumpkin isn’t your thing!
Healthy bliss balls make the perfect lunch-box treat, afternoon snack, or even dessert! Full of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, protein, and natural sweeteners (no added sugar!), your kids will love this sweet treat, and so will you!
Ingredient Notes
- gluten-free oats: I like Bob’s Red Mill or One Degree brand.
- creamy nut butter: You can use creamy almond butter or peanut butter, or even seed butter depending on your preference.
- pumpkin puree: Make sure you get plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
- maple syrup: I used maple syrup to add a natural sweetness to this recipe. Feel free to use date syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
- almond flour
- vanilla extract
- flax seed meal
- chia seeds
- sea salt
- protein powder: I like “Be Well by Kelly” in the vanilla flavor. Use code MARY for $5 off!
- Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips: Optional for an extra little crunch and flavor. You can also use the dark chocolate chips of your choice.
- pumpkin pie spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except for chocolate chips in a large bowl and
- Mix to combine. You do not need a food processor or high-speed blender for this step.
- Fold in chocolate chips. You want it to be sticky but not runny. If too runny, add a little more almond flour. If too thick, add more maple syrup.
- Use a 1 tbsp cookie scoop to form the mixture into 24 balls. Roll each little ball evenly and place them on a large cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to overnight. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Additional Mix-Ins: This versatile, healthy treat can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to add additional mixins of choice: unsweetened shredded coconut, hemp seeds, chopped almonds or walnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder), sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and more!
- Sweetener: I used maple syrup to add a natural sweetness to this recipe. Feel free to use date syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
Storage Tips
- They make a great meal prep option for busy days. Make a batch on Sunday and have them for the family throughout the week.
- These vegan bliss balls should be stored in the fridge until you are ready to eat them. Otherwise, the texture may get a little sticky and lose its shape!
- To freeze, store in a freezer-safe, airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQs
I like getting raw, unsalted nuts from Trader Joe’s or Costco. Check the packaging, but the ones I have found seem to be celiac-safe and not produced in a facility with wheat or gluten! The nuts at Trader Joe’s are also very reasonably priced! I love getting my cashews there for all of my creamy sauce-based recipes.
Yes! Made without any refined sugar, one of these little energy bites has 81 calories, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of healthy fats, and 10 net carbs.
They contain nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Additionally, the ingredients they’re made with boast of antioxidant properties, vitamins, and minerals.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bliss Balls Recipe (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups gluten free oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup creamy nut butter , almond or peanut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp flax seed meal
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp protein powder, I like Be Well By Kelly
- ½ cup Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except for chocolate chips in a large bowl and stir to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. You want it to be sticky, but not runny. If too runny, add a little more almond flour. If too thick, add more maple syrup.
- Use a 1 tbsp cookie scoop to form the mixture into 24 balls. Roll them evenly and place on a large cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight. Enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips
- Additional Mix-Ins: This versatile, healthy treat can be customized to your preferences. Feel free to add additional mixins of choice: unsweetened shredded coconut, hemp seeds, chopped almonds or walnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder), sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and more!
- Sweetener: I used maple syrup to add a natural sweetness to this recipe. Feel free to use date syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
Storage Tips
- They make a great meal prep option for busy days. Make a batch on Sunday and have them for the family throughout the week.
- These vegan bliss balls should be stored in the fridge until you are ready to eat them. Otherwise, the texture may get a little sticky and lose its shape!
- To freeze, store in a freezer-safe, airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on October 4, 2018 and updated with new photos and copy on August 24, 2023.
9 Comments on “No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bliss Balls Recipe (Vegan)”
Yummy! Next time I think I’ll use honey instead of maple syrup.
That works too! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed them!
So delicious! And super easy to make…my 8 year old loves making these!!
Yay! Thanks Laurie!
Tasty, would make again.
Can I use any other nuts or it has to be pecans?
You could use any type!
I made the turkey pumpkin chili tonight! Oh my goodness, what a hit! I’d love to suggest to your followers to cook their own pumpkins in their instant pots. I’ve been making my own pumpkin in the oven for years. The instant pot method is so easy! You don’t even have to cut the pumpkins beforehand. Two small sugar pie pumpkins typically yield about 4 cups of pumpkin which I store in freezer bags in 1 cup increments. I scooped the cooked pumpkin into a dish and used my hand blender to puree it before putting it in the bags. I am thinking I’ll make the pumpkin bliss balls next.
Awesome! So glad you liked it! and thanks for sharing the pumpkin tip 🙂