These Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are like little bites of fall! Packed with protein from cottage cheese and a warm pumpkin spice flavor, they’re tasty and healthy.
Making these is a breeze! I love snacking on them throughout the day. They’re great for keeping my energy up without all the sugar. Plus, they are super fun to make! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein. You can substitute with ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture, or Greek yogurt if you prefer. Just ensure it’s unsweetened!
Almond Flour: This is key for keeping the recipe keto-friendly. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed flour is a great alternative. Just note that it may darken when baked.
Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin provides that lovely fall flavor and moisture. If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use sweet potato puree or even mashed banana in a pinch, but that will change the taste and carb count.
Sweetener: I recommend powdered erythritol to keep it low-carb. You could also use stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you prefer those. Just adjust the amount based on their sweetness levels!
How Can I Get a Good Dough Consistency?
Getting the right dough texture is crucial for rolling these energy balls. You’ll want it to be moist but not sticky. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with room temperature cottage cheese to blend easily.
- Add almond flour gradually; this helps control moisture levels.
- If the mix feels too wet, increase almond flour by one tablespoon at a time until you can form balls without them falling apart.
- Don’t skip refrigerating them! This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
How to Make Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter
- 2 tbsp powdered erythritol or your preferred keto sweetener
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes (optional, for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator before serving. So in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty, nutritious snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, powdered erythritol, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure to mix it well so that all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your energy balls.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring continuously. Mix until everything is well combined. You want the mixture to reach a dough-like consistency. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more almond flour until it’s firm enough to handle.
4. Form the Balls:
Using your hands, grab small amounts of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls. You’ll get about 12-15 energy balls, depending on how big you make them!
5. Optional Coconut Coating:
If you like, roll some or all of the balls in shredded coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. This step is completely optional but can add a delicious twist!
6. Chill the Energy Balls:
Place the formed energy balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour; this helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat.
7. Store for Later:
Once chilled, you can store your energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’re perfect for snacking on whenever you need a quick energy boost!
Enjoy your tasty and healthy Keto Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls as a wholesome snack, filled with fall flavor!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While almond butter works great for this recipe, you can substitute with peanut butter or cashew butter if you prefer. Just be mindful of the flavor changes and ensure they fit within your dietary preferences.
How Can I Make These Energy Balls Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the cottage cheese with silken tofu or a vegan ricotta. You can also use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Can I Freeze These Energy Balls?
Yes! These energy balls freeze well. Just place them in a single layer on a baking tray to freeze individually for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Puree?
No problem! You can substitute with sweet potato puree or even mashed banana in a pinch. Just remember this will slightly change the flavor and texture, but they will still be delicious!
