These tasty pumpkin protein balls are naturally sweetened with dates, making them a healthy snack! Packed with protein and fall flavors, they’re perfect for a midday treat.
Making these is as easy as pie—no baking required! I love enjoying them after a workout or when I need a quick pick-me-up. Plus, they give me that cozy autumn vibe all year round! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These are great for natural sweetness, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use any soft dried fruit like figs or prunes. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This gives your protein balls moisture and flavor. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can roast fresh pumpkin or butternut squash and mash it. You could also try sweet potato puree for a unique twist!
Old-Fashioned Oats: I love using old-fashioned oats for their texture. You can swap them with quick oats if you’re short on time, but they might give a slightly different final consistency.
Protein Powder: Use your favorite protein powder here! If you’re avoiding protein powders, ground nuts or seeds could work, or try adding more oats and a splash of milk for a different consistency.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a mix of ground nutmeg, ginger, and allspice can replace it. Just use sparingly based on taste!
How Can I Ensure the Mixture Sticks Together?
Getting the mixture to stick well is key to forming those protein balls! Here are some tips I find helpful:
- Make sure your dates are soft. Soaking dried dates in warm water can make them easier to blend.
- If the mixture feels dry, adding nut butter helps bind everything together while boosting flavor.
- When rolling the balls, press them firmly with your hands. This helps them stick and keeps them from falling apart.
- If they seem too crumbly, just moisten your hands with water or a bit of oil while rolling.
These simple tweaks will help you create perfect pumpkin protein balls every time! Enjoy! 🎃
Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (softened if needed)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) for binding and flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires an additional 30 minutes in the fridge to firm up, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Dates:
If your Medjool dates are a bit hard, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them, then drain them well before using.
2. Blend the Base:
In a food processor, combine the softened dates and pumpkin puree. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. You want it to be like a thick paste!
3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Add in the old-fashioned oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Pulse the mixture a few times until everything is nicely combined. Don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at this point!
4. Adjust the Consistency:
Check the mixture. If it seems a little too dry or crumbly, add the nut butter to the mix, which will help it bind together and add delicious flavor!
5. Roll Your Balls:
When the mixture is sticky and holds together when squeezed, it’s time to make the balls! Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball in your hands. Keep going until you’ve used up all the mixture!
6. Chill:
Once you have rolled out all the protein balls, place them in a bowl or container. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and makes them easier to store.
7. Store and Enjoy:
These protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy them as a healthy snack or a protein boost after your workout!
Enjoy your wholesome, naturally sweetened Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Protein Balls, and feel good about indulging in a tasty treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Sweeteners Instead of Dates?
Absolutely! If dates aren’t your thing, consider using maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar as sweeteners. Just remember to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe slightly to keep the consistency right.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply substitute the old-fashioned oats with certified gluten-free oats. Make sure that your protein powder is also gluten-free, and you’re all set!
What’s the Best Way to Store these Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Additional Mix-Ins?
Yes, feel free to customize your protein balls! Mixing in ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds can add extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content and adjust if necessary.
