These Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls are a tasty treat loaded with protein and flavor! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and warm spices, they are a perfect healthy snack.
They’re like little bites of pumpkin pie you can enjoy anytime! I love grabbing a couple before my workouts. They give me a sweet boost without the guilt! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of our protein balls, adding texture and fiber. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats. You could also use quick oats, but they might result in a different texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh pumpkin works too! To make fresh puree, steam or roast pumpkin chunks and blend until smooth. If you’re in a pinch, butternut squash puree can be used as a substitute.
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a nice flavor, but peanut butter is perfectly fine too. You can even use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version! Each will give a slightly different taste and texture.
Sweeteners: Honey gives a great flavor, but maple syrup is a lovely vegan alternative. You can also reduce sweetness by using less, depending on your preference.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder adds flavor; however, you can swap it with unflavored or any other flavor you enjoy. Just keep in mind that different powders may change the consistency slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in These Protein Balls?
Getting the right texture is key to making tasty Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls. Aim for a sticky mixture that holds together but isn’t too wet. If it’s too moist, simply add more oats or protein powder until you can easily roll it into balls.
- Ensure all ingredients are combined well to avoid dry patches in the mixture.
- Refrigerating the balls for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape better.
- Use slightly damp hands when rolling the mixture; this helps prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
With a little practice, you’ll master the art of perfecting these protein balls, making them the perfect snack for any time of day! Enjoy your healthy treats!
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats (plus a little extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 30 minutes to refrigerate the protein balls. In no time, you’ll have a delicious snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Take a moment to stir well to make sure all the dry spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup) to your dry mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. It should hold together well; if it’s too crumbly, don’t worry! We’ll fix that in the next step.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using mini dark chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture now. This optional step adds a delightful burst of chocolate flavor in each protein ball! If you choose to leave them out, your protein balls will still be yummy.
4. Adjust the Consistency:
If your mixture feels too wet, you can add a tablespoon or two of rolled oats or protein powder. This will help you achieve a texture that’s easily moldable and perfect for rolling into balls.
5. Roll the Protein Balls:
Using your hands, scoop a small amount of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; the rustic look makes these snacks charming!
6. Coat with Extra Oats (Optional):
If you want your protein balls to have a little extra flair, roll each ball in the additional oats. This gives them a lovely, rustic, oat-coated appearance.
7. Chill and Firm Up:
Place the rolled protein balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. We’ll need to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so that they can firm up nicely.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once cooled and firm, store the protein balls in an airtight container in your fridge for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy these tasty, nutritious pumpkin spiced snacks whenever you need a quick protein boost!
These no-bake Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls will surely satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things healthy. They are the perfect pick-me-up at any time of day! Happy snacking! 🎃
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While almond butter gives a great flavor, you can easily substitute it with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that different nut butters may change the taste slightly!
How Should I Store the Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; they will last for about three months in the freezer. Just pop them in the fridge to thaw before enjoying!
Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
Yes! Simply swap honey for maple syrup to make these protein balls completely vegan. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so they’re a great option for anyone following a vegan diet.
How Do I Make the Mixture Less Sticky?
If you find the mixture too sticky to roll, just add a tablespoon or two more of rolled oats or protein powder until it reaches a moldable consistency. Adjusting the moisture will help you shape the balls more easily!
