These Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls are a tasty snack that’s packed with healthy ingredients. They bring the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie in every bite—perfect for fall munching!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of pumpkin spice? 🍂 I love keeping these on hand for a quick energy boost, and they’re super easy to whip up—just mix, roll, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your protein balls, providing texture and whole grains. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, but if you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast it and blend it into a puree. Both work great!
Nut Butter: Almond butter gives a lovely flavor, but peanut butter or sunflower seed butter also work well. If you’re allergic, sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free alternative.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Agave syrup can be a good vegan substitute if you prefer.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend brings that classic pumpkin pie flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency When Mixing?
Achieving the right texture is key to making these protein balls. Start by combining the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet ones. This ensures even distribution of flavors. Here’s how:
- Mix the oats, protein powder, and spices in a bowl.
- Add pumpkin puree, nut butter, sweetener, and vanilla. Stir until sticky.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of water or more pumpkin puree; if too wet, add more oats.
Forming the balls may get messy—don’t worry! Use damp hands to help roll them without sticking. A cookie scoop is also a handy tool to shape them evenly.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Additional rolled oats or shredded coconut for coating (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and easy recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll be enjoying your tasty protein balls in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. This will ensure that your flavors are evenly distributed!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a sticky and well-combined mixture. If it feels a bit too dry, you can add a splash of water or more pumpkin puree!
3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
If you’re using mini chocolate chips, gently fold them into your mixture now. This adds a delightful touch of sweetness! Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
4. Shape the Protein Balls:
Now it’s time to roll! Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste great!
5. Optional Coating:
If you’d like, you can roll the balls in additional rolled oats or shredded coconut to give them a nice coating. This step is purely for extra flavor and presentation!
6. Chill and Firm Up:
Place your protein balls on a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape.
7. Storage:
Once they’re chilled and ready, transfer the pumpkin pie protein balls to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just grab one whenever you need a quick snack!
Enjoy these nourishing and flavorful pumpkin pie protein balls as a convenient snack or post-workout treat! They’re perfect for any time you need a little pick-me-up!
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter is delicious, you can substitute it with peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a nut-free option!
How Long Do These Protein Balls Last?
These protein balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your protein powder is vegan-friendly. You can also use a nut-free butter for a fully vegan option!
What If the Mixture Is Too Dry?
If your mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of water or a bit more pumpkin puree until it reaches a sticky consistency that’s easy to roll into balls.
