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Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe

Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe

4.7 from 23 reviews

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are a nutritious and delicious snack, perfect for boosting energy with natural ingredients like pumpkin puree, nut butter, and protein powder. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite mix-ins, they offer a great balance of flavor, protein, and healthy carbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (plant-based or whey)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, divided (use 1 cup inside the dough or 3/4 cup inside + 1/4 cup for coating)

Optional Mix-ins

  • 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the canned pumpkin, nut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the protein powder and pumpkin pie spice to the bowl and stir until fully incorporated, forming a thick and cohesive base.
  3. Fold in Oats: Mix in 1 cup of oats, or use 3/4 cup if you plan to reserve 1/4 cup for coating the outside. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but firm enough to roll. Add a little extra oats or protein powder if the mixture is too soft.
  4. Mix in Extras: Stir in any optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chia or flaxseeds, or chopped nuts to customize the flavor and texture.
  5. Roll into Balls: Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough per ball and roll between your palms. If reserving oats for coating, roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup oats to cover the surface.
  6. Chill: Place the balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and consistency.
  • Adjust the protein powder and oats quantities if the dough is too wet or too dry.
  • Customize with nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
  • Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before eating.

Nutrition

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