These Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are a tasty little treat! Packed with protein from cottage cheese and warm spices, they’re perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert.
Making these energy balls is super easy! I just mix everything together, roll them up, and they’re ready to enjoy. They give me a nice boost without all the sugar—win-win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient! I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using lactose-free cottage cheese or Greek yogurt as an alternative.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree; it adds flavor without sugar. If you want a change, applesauce can be a fun substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Almond Flour: This keeps the balls low carb and adds a nutty flavor. You can swap it for coconut flour; just use a smaller amount since coconut flour is more absorbent.
Sweetener: I used powdered erythritol, which works well in keto recipes. Stevia or monk fruit sweetener also work; simply adjust the amount to taste!
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice gives awesome warmth! If you don’t have it, mix 1 tsp of cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and ginger instead for a similar flavor.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for the Dough?
Achieving the perfect dough consistency is key to great energy balls. Here’s how to ensure it’s just right:
- Start by mixing the cottage cheese and pumpkin until smooth. This helps to blend flavors effectively.
- Add dry ingredients gradually. Mixing well after each addition allows you to gauge the dough’s texture.
- If the mixture feels too moist, add more almond flour a tablespoon at a time until it firms up.
- For a mixture that’s too dry, add a small splash of pumpkin puree or extra cottage cheese. Aim for a thick but moldable consistency.
Taste the dough before rolling to make sure the sweetness and spice levels are to your liking—they can be adjusted at this stage!
Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese, drained well
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or preferred keto sweetener
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Total time to enjoy your delicious energy balls will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Quick and easy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese and pumpkin puree. Use a spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will be the base of your energy balls!
2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the almond flour, chopped nuts, ground flaxseed or chia seeds, powdered erythritol, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt to the pumpkin mixture. Stir it all together until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If it feels too wet, don’t worry! Just add a bit more almond flour. If it feels too dry, add a splash of pumpkin puree or a little more cottage cheese.
3. Shaping the Energy Balls:
Once your dough is mixed, it’s time to roll! Using clean hands, scoop out a portion of the dough and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should be a fun part—feel free to let the kiddos help!
4. Optional Coconut Coating:
If you want to give your energy balls a little extra flair, roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. This step is optional but highly recommended for some coconut goodness!
5. Chilling Time:
Place the energy balls on a lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
6. Storage:
Once they’re nice and chilled, store your delicious energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage if you’d like to save some for later.
Enjoy these nourishing, keto-friendly pumpkin spice energy bites as a quick snack or a festive treat! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Regular Cheese Instead of Cottage Cheese?
For the best results, stick with cottage cheese! It adds a great texture and moisture to the energy balls. If you’re looking for a different option, you could try ricotta cheese, but the flavor will differ a bit.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter treat, simply add more powdered erythritol a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired taste. Just remember that some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so taste as you go!
Can I Make These Energy Balls Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt or a cashew cream for a vegan-friendly option. Just make sure to adjust the consistency by adding more almond flour or a bit of nut milk as needed.
How Long Do These Energy Balls Last in the Freezer?
You can store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
