Pumpkin spice season may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fall flavor year round! If you're forever craving the taste of a pumpkin spice latte, make sure to indulge in some of these tasty and healthy recipes to get your PSL fix and meet your nutrition goals.

Pre-Practice Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pitted medjool dates (approximately 12 – 20, depending on size)

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/4 cup flax seeds

• 1/4 cup oats

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus an additional 1/4 cup for rolling)

• 1 tbsp honey (or swap for pure maple syrup and make them vegan!)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 tsp rum extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp allspice

• 1/4 tsp cloves

• 1/4 tsp ginger

Related: Athlete-Tested Protein Ball Recipes

Directions:

1. Chop walnuts and dates 
2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixture is mostly combined and smooth 
3. Scoop mixture onto a plate
4. Take 2 tbsp of the mixture and roll it between your hands until a small ball is formed. Repeat until mixture is used up
5. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut onto a plate and roll the balls into the coconut until coated. Then, roll the covered bites in between palms to embed the coconut 
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• ½ frozen banana
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt 
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice 

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients into a blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached
2. Enjoy! 

Related: 3 Grab-and-Go Protein Drinks for Athletes

Savory Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced carrots
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced celery
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp minced garlic 
• 2 15 oz cans pumpkin puree
• 1 quart vegetable stock
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika 
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon 
• ¼ tsp ground ginger 
• ¼ tsp dried thyme 
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp honey 

Related: Need a Pick-Me-Up? 5 Easy Meals or Snacks for Athletes

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Sautee until translucent – about 5 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin puree, spices, vegetable stock, and honey. Bring to a boil.
3. Bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender .
5. Serve as is or top with heavy cream, coconut milk, or your toppings of choice.

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* Originally published on December 22, 2022, by Sammie Grant