Name: Pumpkin Protein Balls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter); 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of salt; 2-3 tablespoons chia seeds or flax seeds (optional, for added nutrition); 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for a fun twist)

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Pumpkin Protein Balls

Pumpkin Protein Balls are a delicious, healthy snack perfect for fueling your day. These bite-sized treats are packed with protein and nutrients from the combination of pumpkin puree, oats, and nut butter. With warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these protein balls are perfect for autumn but can be enjoyed year-round. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and great for a quick energy boost before or after workouts, or as a healthy snack on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin protein balls are not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness, while the protein powder boosts the nutritional value. They are no-bake, making them quick to prepare, and they store well in the fridge for a week, so you can have a healthy snack whenever you need it.

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt
2-3 tablespoons chia seeds or flax seeds (optional, for added nutrition)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for a fun twist)

Directions

Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, nut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), and protein powder. Stir until well combined.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt, mixing until all ingredients are incorporated. If you’re adding chia seeds or flax seeds, stir them in now. Optionally, add mini chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
Form the Balls:
- Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. You should get about 12-14 protein balls, depending on the size.
Chill:
- Place the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
Serve:
- Once chilled, your pumpkin protein balls are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a snack, pre-workout fuel, or a healthy dessert.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-14 pumpkin protein balls. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with 30 minutes of chilling time, so they’re ready in about 40 minutes.

Variations

I like to:

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Use chocolate protein powder for extra flavor and a more indulgent taste.
Add a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) for some crunch.
Use maple syrup or stevia for a low-sugar option.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, let them thaw for a few minutes before eating.

Pumpkin Protein Balls

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, feel free to use any nut butter you prefer, such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter. Just make sure the consistency is smooth so the balls hold together well.

Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes! You can leave out the protein powder if you prefer, but the texture might be a little different. You can also replace it with a scoop of collagen powder or a plant-based protein powder if you prefer.

Can I make these sweeter?
Yes, if you like a sweeter snack, you can add more honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit for a lower-sugar option.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty, nutritious snack that’s perfect for fall or any time of year. With the natural sweetness of pumpkin and the added protein boost, these balls are a convenient and healthy option to satisfy your hunger between meals or after a workout. They’re simple to make, customizable, and so delicious—you’ll find yourself reaching for them all week long!