These Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty treat packed with protein and flavor! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and a touch of caramel, they’re a perfect snack for any time of day.
Making these is a breeze! Just mix everything together, roll them up, and enjoy. They’re great for a quick energy boost — plus, who doesn’t love a bit of pumpkin spice goodness? 🎃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Oats give the protein balls their chewy texture and are a great source of fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats will work fine, but avoid steel-cut oats as they are too hard.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin if you have it on hand. Just cook and puree it before measuring. This ingredient keeps the balls moist and flavorful.
Nut Butter: Almond butter has a lovely taste, but peanut butter is a budget-friendly substitute. Sunflower seed butter works well too if you need a nut-free option.
Protein Powder: Use your favorite protein powder. Vanilla gives a nice flavor, but if you have unflavored, you can use that as well. A scoop of ground flaxseed or chia seeds can also add some protein.
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a unique flavor, but honey is an excellent alternative. For a lower-calorie option, try a sugar-free syrup or stevia.
How Can I Get the Right Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough consistency just right is key to rolling those perfect balls. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, add a little more oats or protein powder to thicken it up. Conversely, if it’s too dry, a splash of pumpkin puree or more nut butter can help it come together smoothly.
- Mix dry ingredients before adding wet ones for better consistency.
- If it’s too sticky, you can chill it for a bit before rolling.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce or date caramel (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making these delicious protein balls is about 45 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing and mixing the ingredients, and then you’ll need at least 30 minutes in the fridge to chill and firm up the balls. Super simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure everything is evenly mixed!
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add in the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir everything together until you have a sticky dough. If it seems too wet, sprinkle in a little more oats or protein powder, and if it feels too dry, add a small spoonful of pumpkin puree or almond butter.
3. Roll into Balls:
Scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture into your hands and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all of the mixture is used, placing the balls on a parchment-lined tray. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly shaped—homemade is always lovely!
4. Drizzle and Season:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Drizzle the protein balls lightly with caramel sauce and sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top for that sweet and salty flavor.
5. Chill Them Down:
Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the protein balls firm up. This helps the flavors meld together too!
6. Enjoy or Store:
Once they’ve chilled and firmed up, enjoy them right away or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They make for a perfect snack or treat whenever you’re in the mood!
These Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls are not just nutritious but also a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you craving more! Enjoy your snack time!
Can I Use Other Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While almond butter adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit!
Can I Make These Without Protein Powder?
Yes, you can omit the protein powder if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount of oats or add a little extra nut butter or flaxseed meal to maintain the dough’s consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They also freeze well! For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to customize your protein balls. Just be sure to maintain the overall ratio of wet to dry ingredients for the best results.
