These Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy treat! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and protein powder, they’re perfect for snack time or post-workout fuel.
I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix everything, roll, and chill! Plus, they taste like little pumpkin spice hugs. Who can resist that? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it, but canned is simpler and equally delicious!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. If you have quick oats, you can use those, but the texture will be slightly different. Gluten-free oats work well if you need a gluten-free option.
Protein Powder: I like vanilla protein powder for added flavor. If you want to keep it natural, choose unflavored. You can also use plant-based protein powder for a vegan option.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is my go-to for its smooth flavor, but peanut or cashew butter works too. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seed butter!
Sweetener: Honey adds a nice flavor, but maple syrup is a perfect vegan substitute. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less to taste.
How Do I Make the Mixture Stick Together?
The key to rolling perfect protein balls is achieving a sticky but moldable consistency. Here are some tips:
- Combine wet ingredients first: Mix pumpkin puree, nut butter, and sweetener until smooth. This ensures even distribution.
- Incorporate dry ingredients gradually: Add oats, protein powder, and spices bit by bit to help bind the mixture better.
- Use your hands: After chilling, the mixture will firm up. Use your hands to squeeze and roll it into balls—this will help everything stick together.
- Adjust with more oats or nut butter: If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more rolled oats, or if too dry, a touch more nut butter can help! Experiment to find the right balance.
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp rolled oats (for rolling/topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing, you’ll chill the mixture for about 20-30 minutes to firm it up. Then you’ll spend a few minutes rolling the balls and chilling them again. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour for prep and chilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the canned pumpkin puree, nut butter, and honey or maple syrup. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your delicious protein balls!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the old-fashioned rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be sticky but moldable—this means it’s just right for rolling into balls!
3. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you’re using mini chocolate chips for some extra sweetness, fold them into the mixture now. This is the fun part—who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
4. Chill the Mixture:
To help the mixture firm up, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling will make it easier to shape the balls.
5. Shape the Protein Balls:
After chilling, it’s time to roll! Take the mixture out of the fridge and use your hands to form about 1-inch balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier.
6. Roll in Oats (Optional):
If you like, you can roll each ball in some additional rolled oats for a decorative touch. This step is completely optional but adds a little extra texture!
7. Final Chill:
Once shaped, place your pumpkin protein balls on a tray or plate. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set completely. This helps them hold their shape and makes them a bit more flavorful as the ingredients mingle.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. These make great snacks or a quick energy boost whenever you need it!
Enjoy your nutritious, pumpkin-flavored protein bites as a delicious snack or quick energy boost! 🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then puree until smooth. Just make sure the texture is similar to canned pumpkin for the best results!
Can I Substitute the Protein Powder?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have protein powder, you can use additional rolled oats or ground flaxseed. Keep in mind that the nutritional content will change, and the consistency may vary slightly.
How to Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! To make these protein balls vegan, simply use maple syrup in place of honey and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can also make a great nut-free option!
