These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls are tasty little snacks that pack a punch! Made with creamy peanut butter, real pumpkin, and some sweet spices, they’re perfect for a boost any time of day.
They’re super easy to make and you just roll them into small balls—it’s a fun activity! I love keeping them in the fridge for a quick treat after workouts or when I’m craving something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give these balls a great texture and chewiness. You can swap them with quick oats for a softer bite or use gluten-free oats if needed.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can use roasted fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to puree it until smooth.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter works best, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter are fantastic alternatives, especially for nut allergies.
Sweeteners: Honey adds a great flavor, but maple syrup can be used for a vegan option. Agave syrup is another good substitute if you prefer a lighter taste.
Protein Powder: Any flavor can be used, but I find vanilla gives the best results. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, you can just add more oats and skip it, though it may reduce the protein content.
How Do I Ensure the Right Texture When Mixing?
When you mix your ingredients, it’s essential to aim for the right texture—this ensures your protein balls hold together without being too sticky or crumbly. Here are some tips:
- Start with your wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and honey. Mix these until smooth to create a good base.
- Gradually add dry ingredients—like oats and protein powder. This way, you can assess the moisture as you go.
- If the mixture is too wet, simply add more rolled oats or protein powder. If it feels too dry, a splash of milk or more pumpkin can help.
- Mix until everything is combined, but don’t overmix! You want a homogenous mixture that’s still somewhat thick.
Rolling the balls should be easy; if they stick to your hands too much, wet your hands lightly before rolling.
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 scoops vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: a splash of vanilla extract
- Optional topping: extra peanut butter for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional hour to chill in the fridge. So, you can whip these up quickly and have a delicious, healthy snack ready in a little over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and the optional vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. It’s essential to have a well-blended base for the best flavor!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Add the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats or protein powder. If it seems too dry, add a splash of milk or more pumpkin puree to get the right consistency.
3. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for that delightful chocolatey taste in every bite!
4. Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This can be a fun part—get your hands a little messy and enjoy rolling them out!
5. Chill and Set:
Place the formed balls onto a lined plate or tray. If you want, scoop a little more peanut butter on top of some of the balls for added flavor and fun presentation. Then, pop them into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Store and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls are ready to eat! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for a longer shelf life. Enjoy these as a quick snack or energy booster whenever you need it!
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or just prefer a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully in this recipe as well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Modify the Sweetness Level?
Yes! You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey or maple syrup slightly, especially if you’re using chocolate chips, which add some sweetness too. Taste the mixture before rolling it into balls to find your perfect balance!
What Can I Substitute for the Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it altogether and just add a bit more rolled oats. Keep in mind that this will reduce the protein content, but they’ll still be delicious and filling!
