These tasty Pumpkin Protein Balls are a nutritious treat packed with flavor! They mix pumpkin puree, oats, and protein powder, making them perfect for a quick snack.
They’re so easy to make, just roll the ingredients into little balls and enjoy. Plus, they make a fun energy booster before or after workouts. Who knew health could be this delicious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are the base of these protein balls, giving them texture and fiber. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: Unsweetened pumpkin puree creates a moist texture and adds natural sweetness. If you can’t find it, you can use mashed sweet potato as a substitute.
Protein Powder: Any protein powder works, but I prefer vanilla for flavor. If you want a plant-based option, pea protein or hemp protein is excellent. You can skip it for a simpler snack, but the protein boost is nice!
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a nutty flavor, but peanut or cashew butter also works well. If nut allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Either sweetener adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use a sugar-free syrup or mashed banana instead.
How Do You Get the Right Consistency for These Protein Balls?
The key to a perfect texture in these protein balls is how you mix and roll them. Start with the dry ingredients and ensure they’re well combined before adding the wet ingredients. When you fold everything together, the mixture should be sticky but hold together well.
- If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or more pumpkin puree.
- If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more oats or protein powder.
- When rolling, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
Chilling the balls is crucial, too! It helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and giving the flavors a chance to meld. Enjoy your Pumpkin Protein Balls as a quick energy booster anytime!
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 2 tbsp natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have a healthy snack ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined, so the flavors mix evenly.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything thoroughly until it forms a sticky dough that holds together well.
3. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you want a little extra flavor or crunch, fold in the mini chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds. This step is completely optional, but who doesn’t love a little chocolate in their snacks?
4. Roll Into Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat this process until you’ve rolled all the mixture into balls.
5. Chill Out:
Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the balls firm up and makes them easier to enjoy.
6. Store Your Snacks:
Once chilled, your Pumpkin Protein Balls are ready to eat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Enjoy these nutritious and delicious pumpkin protein balls as a quick snack or post-workout boost!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While almond butter and peanut butter are popular choices, feel free to use any nut or seed butter you prefer. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option if allergies are a concern!
What Can I Substitute for Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder on hand, you can skip it and still enjoy these balls, or try using ground almonds or oats to add some nutritional value. Just keep in mind that the texture and protein content might vary slightly.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Protein Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Simply place the rolled balls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
How Should I Adjust if the Mixture is Too Sticky?
If the mixture feels too sticky to roll into balls, sprinkle in a little more rolled oats or protein powder to help absorb some moisture. You can also refrigerate the mixture for a bit, which may help firm it up and make rolling easier!
