These Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are a tasty snack packed with protein! Made with cottage cheese, pumpkin, and warm spices, they’re perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
They remind me of cozy fall days and are easy to whip up. I love popping one in my bag when I’m on the go—healthy and delicious without any guilt! 🎃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat cottage cheese for creaminess and good protein. If you need a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended to a smooth texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Unsweetened pumpkin puree brings warmth and flavor. If fresh pumpkin is available, you can roast and mash it yourself for a fresh taste!
Almond Flour: This adds a nutty flavor and keeps the balls low in carbs. If you prefer a nut-free version, sunflower seed flour or oat flour could be used, but the texture might change a bit.
Flaxseed Meal: It helps bind the mixture and adds omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds ground into a meal make a good alternative if needed.
Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened coconut adds chewiness and flavor. If you don’t love coconut, you can skip it or substitute with crushed nuts for added crunch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Energy Balls?
Getting the right dough consistency is crucial for rolling perfect energy balls. Ensure that your mixture isn’t too wet. If it is, simply add a bit more almond flour or flaxseed meal until it’s manageable.
- Start with a thick and sticky dough; it should hold its shape when pressed.
- If rolling is difficult, you can chill the mix for a short time to make it easier to handle.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or spices to match your taste preferences!
Once they’re rolled, chilling them will help them firm up nicely, making them easier to eat and enjoy!
Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal or finely ground flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp powdered erythritol or preferred keto sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp almond butter for richness and binding
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time to mix and shape the energy balls, plus at least 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll be enjoying these protein-packed snacks in about an hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and pumpkin puree. Mix well until the two ingredients are smooth and blended together nicely.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add in the almond flour, flaxseed meal, shredded coconut, pumpkin spice blend, vanilla extract, powdered erythritol, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until you have a thick, sticky dough. If the mixture seems a bit wet, don’t worry—just sprinkle in a little more almond flour or flaxseed meal until it holds together well.
3. Incorporate Almond Butter (Optional):
If you’d like to add a creamier texture to your energy balls, mix in 2 tablespoons of almond butter. This will help bind the ingredients together and make them extra rich!
4. Form the Energy Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue this process until all the mixture is shaped into energy balls.
5. Coat and Chill:
If you’d like, roll each ball in some extra shredded coconut to coat the outside. Once all the balls are rolled, place them on a plate or tray. Transfer the plate to the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour to firm them up.
6. Enjoy and Store:
After chilling, your energy balls are ready to enjoy! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week—if they last that long!
These nutrient-rich, flavorful pumpkin spice energy balls make for a delicious keto-friendly snack any time of the day. Enjoy! 🎃✨
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Besides Erythritol?
Absolutely! You can use any keto-friendly sweetener you prefer, such as stevia, monk fruit, or allulose. Just remember to adjust the quantity to match the sweetness level of the substitute you’re using since different sweeteners vary in potency.
How to Store These Energy Balls for Optimal Freshness?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place the energy balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months in the freezer.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add in some chopped nuts, seeds, or even sugar-free chocolate chips to the mixture. Just be mindful of any extra ingredients that might impact the texture, adding a little more almond flour or flaxseed meal if needed to keep the right consistency.
What if My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your mixture is too sticky to roll into balls, simply add a little more almond flour or flaxseed meal until you reach a workable consistency. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes can also help make it easier to handle!
