Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe
Introduction
These Pumpkin Protein Balls are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for fall or any time you need a quick energy boost. Packed with pumpkin, oats, and protein powder, they combine wholesome ingredients with a touch of sweetness and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup no salt added creamy drippy almond butter
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the almond butter, pumpkin, cinnamon, honey, vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to a bowl. Stir well to combine using a rubber spatula.
- Step 2: Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Use a cookie scoop or drop the pumpkin batter into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. You should get around 26 protein balls.
- Step 4: Chill the pumpkin protein balls in the fridge until firm to the touch, then store in a ziplock bag in the fridge or freezer.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to your taste for more warmth or spice.
Storage
Store the pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw in the fridge before eating. They are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin before using it to achieve a similar texture and moisture level as canned pumpkin.
Can I use a different type of protein powder?
Absolutely. Vanilla works best for flavor, but you can use any protein powder you prefer. Just note that different powders can slightly change the texture.
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Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 26 protein balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and nutritious Pumpkin Protein Balls that combine creamy almond butter, canned pumpkin, and vanilla protein powder with warm cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. These no-bake, bite-sized snacks are perfect for a quick energy boost or post-workout fuel, with the added sweetness of honey and mini chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup no salt added creamy drippy almond butter
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- Salt to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the almond butter, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, honey, vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a large mixing bowl. Stir well using a rubber spatula until ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the mixture to distribute evenly without breaking them up.
- Form Balls: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, drop or roll the pumpkin batter into approximately 26 evenly sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Chill Until Firm: Refrigerate the pumpkin protein balls until they are firm to the touch, which usually takes about 1 hour. This will help them hold their shape.
- Store Properly: Once firm, transfer the protein balls into a ziplock bag or airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure almond butter is creamy and drippy for easy mixing; stir well before measuring if separated.
- Use canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sugar and spices.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Adjust salt to taste but keep minimal as ingredients like almond butter already contain some salt.
- These protein balls are best eaten chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
- For added texture, you can add chopped nuts or seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin protein balls, no-bake snacks, healthy snack, protein balls, pumpkin recipe, almond butter, vegan snack, gluten free snacks
