These Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are perfect for a quick snack! They are made with creamy cottage cheese, pumpkin, and warm spices, giving you a tasty treat without the carbs.
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! They’re so easy to grab on the go, and the pumpkin spice flavor is like a warm hug in a ball. Who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Plus, I enjoy making these in batches and keeping them handy in the fridge. They’re healthy, filling, and just the right amount of sweet for those busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I always choose full-fat cottage cheese for its creaminess, but if you’re looking for a low-cal option, low-fat works too. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use unsweetened pumpkin puree to keep it keto-friendly. If pumpkin isn’t available, cooked sweet potato can be a nice alternative, though it has more carbs.
Almond Flour: This is great for keto recipes, but if you’re nut-free, try sunflower seed flour or coconut flour. If using coconut flour, remember it absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid.
Sweeteners: I like using powdered erythritol for sweetness, but you can also use stevia or monk fruit sweeteners. Just adjust the amount, as they can vary in sweetness.
Spices: The pumpkin pie spice blend adds lovely warmth. If you don’t have it, you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger and cloves instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for These Energy Balls?
Getting the right texture for your energy balls is key. Start by blending the cottage cheese and pumpkin well. It should be smooth; any lumps might affect the final texture. When mixing in dry ingredients, you want a thick, sticky dough, but not too wet.
- If the mix is too sticky, chill it for about 20 minutes before rolling into balls.
- When rolling, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- For a thicker texture, consider adding more almond flour or shredded coconut.
Chilling them for at least an hour helps the balls firm up nicely, making them easier to handle and chew. Enjoy your perfect energy balls as a tasty snack!
How to Make Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed for added fiber and texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious energy balls in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, start by combining the full-fat cottage cheese and pumpkin puree. Mix them together until they are nice and smooth. This creamy base is the heart of your energy balls!
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add in the almond flour, shredded coconut, powdered erythritol, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. If you’re using chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra health benefits, sprinkle them in as well. Stir everything together really well until it forms a thick dough.
3. Chill the Mixture:
If the dough feels a bit sticky and hard to handle, no worries! Just pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to chill. This will help it firm up nicely for rolling.
4. Roll Into Balls:
Once the dough is firm, take small scoops (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons) and roll them between your palms to form tight balls. If you like, you can roll each ball in extra shredded coconut or almond flour for an added texture and look!
5. Chill Again:
Place all the rolled energy balls on a plate or tray, and then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. This helps them set and makes them easier to enjoy later.
6. Storage:
Your delicious keto energy balls are now ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them if you want to keep them longer. Just grab one whenever you need a tasty and nutritious snack!
Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful keto-friendly Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls, packed with flavor and goodness! Perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Full-fat gives a creamier consistency, which enhances the flavor and richness of the energy balls.
Can I Substitute Pumpkin Puree with Something Else?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pumpkin puree, cooked sweet potato or butternut squash puree can work too. Just remember to adjust the sweetness since sweet potato is sweeter than pumpkin.
How Long Do These Energy Balls Last in the Fridge?
These energy balls will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, and they’ll last for up to 3 months!
What If the Mixture Is Too Sticky to Roll Into Balls?
If your mixture feels too sticky, just chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to handle and roll into tight balls. You can also add a little more almond flour if needed.
