Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites | Easy Postpartum Snack

Hello momma, 🍂

We’re continuing our little journey into cozy, nourishing foods, and these Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites are basically autumn in snack form. They’re soft, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, packed with almond butter and almond flour, and made extra cozy with roasted kabocha squash and warm pumpkin spice. And yes, there are chocolate chips. Because postpartum nourishment can absolutely include chocolate chips. 🤎 I originally made these with roasted kabocha squash, which is one of my favorite winter squashes because it’s naturally sweet, creamy, and makes such a lovely addition to baked goods and cozy snacks. But don’t worry if you don’t have kabocha sitting on your counter. You can absolutely use pumpkin puree or another smooth squash puree that you love.

Why I Love These Little Bites:

Postpartum snacks need to be easy. You might be holding a baby. You might be nursing. You might have one hand available. You might realize you haven’t eaten in four hours. This is why I love having little bites and snacks prepared ahead of time.

🍂 Easy to make

Everything comes together in one bowl.

🥣 Made with nourishing pantry staples

Almond flour, oats, almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup create a satisfying little snack.

🍁 Cozy + seasonal

Kabocha squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make these taste like your favorite fall afternoon.

🍫 A little chocolatey

Because we’re keeping things delicious around here.

🧺 Easy to prep ahead

Make a batch and keep them in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Almond flour gives these bites their soft, tender texture while adding richness. Instant oats give the bites a hearty texture and help create their base. Almond butter adds creaminess and makes these little bites extra satisfying. Coconut oil adds richness and helps the bites firm up when chilled. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the squash and spices. Kabocha squash or pumpkin puree brings moisture, natural sweetness, and a gorgeous autumn color. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that classic pumpkin-spice flavor. Chocolate chips finish everything off with little pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites

Ingredients

1 cup instant oats

1 cup almond flour

⅔ cup almond butter

⅓ cup softened coconut oil

6 tablespoons maple syrup

1 cup pumpkin or roasted kabocha squash puree

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cloves

½ cup chocolate chips

How to Make Them

1. MIX

Add the instant oats, almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

2. ADD

Add the almond butter, softened coconut oil, maple syrup, and pumpkin or kabocha squash puree.

3. COMBINE

Mix until everything comes together into a thick, soft dough. Fold in the chocolate chips. And yes, sneaking a chocolate chip while you’re making them is completely allowed.

4. SCOOP

Scoop the mixture into small portions and gently roll or shape them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.

5. CHILL

Place the bites in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until firm.

6. ENJOY

Enjoy them chilled or allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Kabocha Squash or Pumpkin?

This recipe was originally made with roasted kabocha squash, but pumpkin puree works beautifully too. If you’re roasting kabocha from scratch, simply roast until the flesh is completely tender, scoop it from the skin, and puree until smooth. You can also use another winter squash puree if that’s what you have available. The goal is a smooth puree without too much excess liquid so your bites hold together nicely.

These Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites are especially handy for postpartum meal prep because they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

I love making a batch before a busy week and keeping them ready for those moments when I need something quick.

They’re also a sweet little addition to a postpartum freezer or refrigerator meal plan alongside soups, congee, muffins, and other easy snacks.

Wishing you all the cozy,

Megan ☕️