These Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are a yummy snack packed with fall flavors! They mix creamy pumpkin, oats, and protein powder for a tasty bite that’s good for you.
Perfect for a quick energy boost, I love popping one (or two) before a workout. They taste like cookies but keep me feeling great—what’s not to love? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base for your protein balls and add a nice chew. If you need gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats. Steel-cut oats or quick oats can work, but the texture may change a bit.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep control over sweetness and spices. If you don’t have pumpkin, mashed sweet potatoes can be a great substitute!
Nut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for its rich flavor, but almond butter adds a nice twist. Nut free? Sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative.
Protein Powder: Any type of protein powder works here. If you’re vegan, go for a plant-based protein. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it or add extra oats instead.
Sweeteners: Honey adds nice sweetness, but for a vegan option, maple syrup is perfect. You can also try agave syrup or dates blended into the mix.
How Do I Make These Protein Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right texture is key to forming your protein balls. You’ll want a mix that is sticky yet holds its shape. If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more rolled oats, a spoonful at a time. If it’s too dry, add more pumpkin or nut butter.
- Combine dry ingredients first to prevent clumping when you add wet ingredients.
- Make sure all ingredients are well-mixed, it helps with the binding.
- When forming balls, squeeze tightly to compact them! Let them chill in the fridge to firm up.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a 30-minute chill time to help the protein balls firm up. In no time, you’ll have a batch of healthy snacks ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, shredded coconut (if using), and a sprinkle of salt. Stir them together so everything is nicely blended.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the canned pumpkin puree, your choice of nut butter, and honey or maple syrup if you want some extra sweetness. Also, add the vanilla extract. Now, mix everything together well until it’s fully combined. The mixture should be sticky, but if it feels too wet, just sprinkle in a little more oats. If it’s too dry, add a bit more pumpkin or nut butter.
3. Form the Protein Balls:
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 be shy—press them tightly to help them hold together!
4. Chill the Balls:
Once you’ve formed all the balls, place them on a baking sheet or a plate. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for them to firm up nicely.
5. Store and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. These tasty treats make for a perfect healthy snack or pre-workout boost!
Can I Use Quick Oats for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats! Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, but they will still work well in binding the protein balls.
How Do I Store These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your protein balls by adding in nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. Just be mindful of how these additions might alter the consistency; you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly.
What Should I Do If the Mixture Is Too Dry?
If your mixture feels too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. It should be sticky enough to hold together but not overly wet.
