These Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are a tasty treat packed with good-for-you ingredients like oats, pumpkin puree, and a hint of spice. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking!
Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! I love keeping these in my fridge for a quick energy boost. Plus, they’re great for sharing—if you can resist the urge to keep them all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: The base of these protein balls, rolled oats provide fiber and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness. Canned or homemade works well. You can substitute with mashed bananas for a different flavor.
Nut Butter: Almond butter adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives if you have nut allergies.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup. For a low-calorie option, consider a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder that fits your dietary needs; pea protein or whey protein are popular. If you want to skip it altogether, add more oats instead.
How Can I Make These Protein Balls Stick Together?
The key to ensuring your protein balls hold together is finding the right balance of wet and dry ingredients. If there’s not enough moisture, they will crumble. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with the base: Mix oats, protein powder, spices, and salt well before adding wet ingredients.
- Add pumpkin puree and nut butter, then stir until combined to create a sticky mixture.
- If it’s too dry, add more pumpkin or nut butter, one tablespoon at a time.
- If too wet, adjust by adding a few more oats or protein powder.
Chilling the mixture helps firm them up, making them easier to roll into balls.
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup natural almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then around 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy these delicious protein balls! Perfect for meal prep or a quick snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first makes sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the bowl. The yumminess begins! Stir everything together until you have a sticky dough. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats. If it’s too dry, add a touch more pumpkin puree or almond butter.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
If you’re feeling indulgent, add the mini chocolate chips to the mixture and fold them in gently. This adds a sweet surprise in each bite!
4. Form the Balls:
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out the mixture and roll it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet or plate. You should get about 12-15 protein balls!
5. Chill and Store:
Now, pop the tray in the fridge and allow the protein balls to chill for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up. Once they’re set, you can transfer any leftovers to an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to a week.
Enjoy these nutrient-packed, delicious pumpkin spice protein balls as a healthy snack or a quick energy boost any time of the day! Happy snacking! 🍂✨
Can I Use Different Types of Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter gives a nice flavor, you can use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly based on what you choose!
Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. All other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. It will change the flavor a bit, but they’ll still be delicious!
