These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty snack packed with flavor! With only a few ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats, they’re super easy to whip up.
Grab a few for an energy boost anytime! I like to keep a batch ready in the fridge for when those snack cravings hit. Trust me, you’ll love their sweet, nutty goodness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are great for texture and help bind the balls together. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work too. For a gluten-free option, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is my go-to for a creamy texture. It’s also less sugary. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar consistency.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh pumpkin is a delicious alternative. Just cook and puree it beforehand. You can substitute with sweet potato puree if needed!
Sweetener: I like to use honey for its floral sweetness, but if you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup works just as well.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder gives a nice flavor boost, but any flavor you enjoy can be used. If you want a dairy-free snack, use plant-based protein powder.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is warm and cozy! If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves does the trick. Play around with the amounts to suit your taste.
How Can I Make These Protein Balls Perfectly Sticky and Mouldable?
The key to the right texture is in combining the wet and dry ingredients properly. After mixing the peanut butter and pumpkin, add the oats and protein powder gradually. This helps to ensure that everything is evenly mixed without drying out the mixture.
- Start with the wet ingredients, ensuring they’re fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the oats and protein powder. Check if the mixture clumps together; it should feel sticky.
- If it’s too dry, add a little more honey or pumpkin puree to achieve the right consistency.
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to chill the protein balls for at least 1 hour. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and nutritious snack later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well until the mixture is nice and smooth. It should smell delicious!
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the rolled oats, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice to the wet mixture. Stir it all together until everything is mixed in well. The mixture should be sticky yet moldable—this is what will help form your protein balls.
3. Incorporate Chocolate Chips:
If you like a little sweetness, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This will give each bite a lovely chocolaty surprise!
4. Form Your Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. If you have a small cookie scoop, that works great too! Place the balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go.
5. Chill and Set:
Pop the plate or baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the protein balls chill for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up and make them easier to eat!
6. Store Your Treats:
Once chilled, you can store these tasty peanut butter pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them. They make a great grab-and-go snack!
Enjoy your Peanut Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls as a healthy and delicious snack or a quick energy boost throughout your day!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is delicious, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
How Do I Store These Protein Balls?
Store your protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well, so you can keep them in the freezer for longer storage. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your protein balls. You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, seeds such as chia or flaxseed, or even a scoop of your favorite superfood powder to increase nutrition.
What If the Mixture is Too Dry?
If your mixture feels too dry and isn’t holding together well, try adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or a splash of milk to moisten it. Mix well until you reach the desired sticky consistency.
