These Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty way to enjoy a healthy snack! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and protein powder, they are perfect for a boost of energy.
Plus, they taste like little bites of fall! I love keeping a batch in the fridge for when I need a quick treat. Trust me, they won’t last long around here! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree gives these protein balls moisture and flavor. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast it and blend until smooth. Make sure to use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for the best results!
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add structure and fiber. Quick oats work, too, but they might make the balls a bit softer. If you’re avoiding oats, try using almond or coconut flour in smaller amounts.
Protein Powder: I like using vanilla protein powder for a touch of sweetness, but any protein powder will do. If you want a vegan option, choose plant-based protein powder. No protein powder? You can omit it, but you’ll lose that protein boost.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is creamy and tasty, but peanut butter works well too. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative. It adds a nice flavor without the nuts.
Sweeteners: Honey adds a nice sweetness and moisture, but if you’re vegan, maple syrup is a perfect substitute. For lower sugar options, consider using a sugar-free syrup or date syrup.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dough for My Protein Balls?
The dough consistency is key to rolling perfect protein balls! After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, you want a sticky but moldable dough. You can adjust the consistency by:
- If it’s too dry, add a little more pumpkin puree or a splash of water.
- If it’s too wet, add a bit more oats or protein powder until it holds together.
Chilling the mixture not only helps with rolling but also enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step! Enjoy snacking on these protein balls, they’re great on-the-go!
Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls for Healthy Snacking
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 20-30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. So, in under an hour, you can have a delicious batch of protein balls ready to snack on!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the canned pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. You can use a spatula or a whisk for this job.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mix. Stir everything together until you have a sticky dough. If you’d like to, fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins for an extra treat!
4. Chilling the Dough:
Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes. This step is super important because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
5. Shaping the Protein Balls:
Once chilled, take out the dough. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet or plate. You should be able to make about 10-12 balls depending on the size!
6. Storing Your Snack:
Store your delicious protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy!
7. Time to Enjoy!
These protein balls are perfect for a quick bite before or after a workout, or just as a tasty snack anytime you need a boost. Enjoy your nutritious and delightful treats!
FAQs About Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast it until soft, then blend it until smooth. Canned pumpkin is more convenient, but fresh can provide a great flavor too!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Protein Balls?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, keeping in mind that it might affect the texture slightly.
What Storage Tips Do You Recommend for These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the nut butter for a seed butter if you have nut allergies. You can also mix in different add-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or even different spices to suit your taste!