I love making easy snacks, especially when they pack a good protein punch. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite recipes for protein balls that are perfect for the season: one with pumpkin and banana, and another that tastes just like pumpkin pie.
These protein ball recipes are simple to put together, need no baking, and are great for meal prep. You can grab one whenever you need a quick energy boost or a sweet treat. Let’s make some tasty protein snacks!
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Easy Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls Recipe
These pumpkin banana protein balls are soft, sweet, and really satisfying. They make a great healthy snack for busy days, giving you steady energy.
I like to keep a batch in the fridge for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. They are so easy to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls
- Ripe Bananas: Using very ripe bananas adds a lot of natural sweetness and helps hold the balls together well.
- Protein Powder Choice: Vanilla or an unflavored protein powder works best to let the pumpkin and banana flavors shine.
- Pumpkin Puree vs. Pie Filling: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-spiced pie filling, for the best result.
What You Need for Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes active, 30 minutes chilling🍽️ Yields: About 12 protein balls
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls
Step 1: Mash the Banana
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana really well with a fork until it’s smooth with no big lumps. This helps create a good base for your protein balls.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the pumpkin puree and maple syrup (if you’re using it) to the mashed banana. Stir everything together until these wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add the protein powder, oat flour, ground cinnamon, and chia seeds to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined and forms a thick, dough-like mixture. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Form and Chill
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the finished balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, which helps them firm up.
📝 Final Note
Store these pumpkin banana protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They are best when cold!
Simple Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls Recipe
If you love the taste of pumpkin pie but want a healthier snack, these protein balls are for you. They have all the warm spice flavors of pumpkin pie in a small, easy-to-eat bite.
I find these are great to have on hand when I want something sweet but also need protein. They are quick to make and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is key for the classic pumpkin pie flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Nut Butter for Binding: Creamy almond butter or cashew butter works really well to bind the ingredients and add good fat.
- Sweetness Adjustment: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to make these more or less sweet, depending on your taste.
What You Need for Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup creamy almond butter (or other nut butter)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup ground oats (or oat flour)
- Pinch of salt
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes active, 30 minutes chilling🍽️ Yields: About 10 protein balls
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, creamy almond butter, and maple syrup. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth and fully blended.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, add the protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground oats, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a thick, uniform dough forms.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into compact, bite-sized balls. You should get about 10-12 balls from this mixture. Place them on a plate.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm
For the best texture, place your pumpkin pie protein balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps them firm up and keeps their shape.
📝 Final Note
These pumpkin pie protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze very well for up to 2 months.