These Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy treat! With pumpkin puree, protein powder, and a hint of caramel flavor, they are perfect for snack time.
They’re sweet with a touch of salt that makes my taste buds dance! 😋 I love keeping a batch in the fridge for a quick energy boost, especially before workouts.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pumpkin puree for the best results, avoiding pumpkin pie filling which has added sugars and spices. If you can’t find pumpkin puree, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash work well too!
Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for texture, but if you want a smoother ball, oat flour is a good choice. You can make oat flour by blending oats in a food processor. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your oats are labeled gluten-free.
Protein Powder: I like vanilla or caramel-flavored protein for added sweetness. If you prefer plant-based options, check out pea or hemp protein powders. If you don’t have protein powder, you can add more oats and a bit more nut butter for a less protein-rich version.
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a nice flavor, but peanut butter can be used if you prefer. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free substitute for those with allergies.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Solid Dough Consistency?
The texture of your protein balls is crucial, so it’s important to achieve the right dough consistency. Here’s how to do that:
- Start by mixing your wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla) until completely smooth.
- Add your dry ingredients slowly, stirring as you go. This helps you judge the dough’s consistency before adding more dry goods.
- If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more oats or protein powder. If it feels too dry, add a spoonful of pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s moldable.
- When rolling into balls, wet your hands slightly to make it easier and keep the mixture from sticking to you.
- Lastly, chilling the balls in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to handle.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup rolled oats or oat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or caramel-flavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt, plus extra flaky sea salt for topping
Optional Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce or date caramel (blend dates with a little water)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 30-60 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have some delicious protein balls ready to enjoy as a snack or post-workout treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter (or peanut butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your protein balls, so make sure everything is well blended!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats (or oat flour), protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined into a dough-like consistency. If you find the mixture is too wet, toss in a little more oats or protein powder. If it’s too dry, just add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s moldable.
3. Shape the Protein Balls:
Now it’s time to turn your mixture into delicious balls! Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each ball on a tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Add Some Sweetness:
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle the protein balls with caramel sauce or date caramel. This step adds an extra touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice flavor!
5. Sprinkle Sea Salt:
To achieve that perfect salted caramel vibe, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of each ball. This little touch makes a big difference in flavor!
6. Chill Out:
Cover the tray and place it in the refrigerator. Let the protein balls chill for at least 30-60 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
7. Enjoy!
Your Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls are ready to be served! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. These little bites of goodness make for a nutritious snack or a great energy boost post-workout. Enjoy!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Roast or steam the pumpkin, then blend it until creamy for the best results. This will give you a delicious, homemade flavor!
How Do I Store These Pumpkin Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup or honey with other sweeteners like agave nectar or stevia. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences and the sweetness level of the substitute you choose!
What Can I Use Instead of Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder, you can increase the amount of oats or add flaxseed meal to boost fiber and nutrition. Just keep in mind that the protein content will be lower without protein powder, but the flavor will still be delicious!
