Get your pumpkin fix and fuel your body with healthy and delicious pumpkin protein balls! The no-bake snack features fall-inspired pumpkin puree, protein powder, natural sweetener, and wholesome ingredients. Plus, the pumpkin energy balls are vegan, gluten-free, and come together in 10 minutes!
Should You Eat Protein Balls?
I can’t think of a better snack to add to your fall collection than our pumpkin protein ball recipe that boasts 5 grams of protein per ball. The best part? Our recipe calls for simple ingredients with no added sugar, and the pumpkin balls taste like a bite-size pumpkin pie!
With wholesome ingredients, pumpkin protein bites are an excellent part of a well balanced diet – perfect when you crave something sweet. Eat them as a pre-workout snack, quick dessert, or throw them into your kids lunchbox for a school lunch treat they’ll actually eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add fiber, making the protein snack even more filling.
- Dates: Naturally sweeten the pumpkin protein balls with chopped dates.
- Seeds: Chia or flaxseeds are great additional protein.
- Protein Powder: Whey, casein, or plant-based protein powder increase the protein, making the balls a great snack to keep in the fridge for something quick to grab before a workout. Use any flavor of protein powder, but I highly recommend chocolate; this is the plant-based protein powder I use.
- Nut Butter: Use peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter to flavor the protein balls while increasing the protein and healthy fat.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree lends sweetness and increases the fiber.
- Spices: Season the pumpkin mixture with pumpkin pie spice and sea salt.
- Toppings: The toppings are optional, but it’s a great way to take them to the next level if you want to bring them to a get-together or transform the snack into a healthy, protein-packed dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Additions and Substitutions
- Mix-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Sweetener: Instead of dates, sweeten the protein-filled treat with chocolate chips, dried fruit, cocoa nibs, vanilla extract, honey, or maple syrup.
- Spices: Season the pumpkin protein balls with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger rather than pumpkin pie spice to give them a warm and cozy flavor.
How To Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add the ingredients to a food processor and process until the mixture forms a cookie dough consistency.
Step 2: Scoop the mixture with a spoon or tablespoon and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 3: Optional: Line the balls onto a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle them with melted chocolate. You can also roll the balls in coconut flakes, cocoa powder, or espresso powder and line them onto the sheet.
Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Before rolling the mixture into balls, be sure the mixture has a cookie dough-like consistency. If it’s too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s easier to shape.
- If it’s hot outside, consider chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling them into balls, making them easier to handle.
If you enjoy this sweet treat, try one of these protein-packed snacks!
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze: Transfer the pumpkin protein balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protein powder do you like?
Choose a protein powder that fits your dietary needs. Because I am lactose intolerant, I opt for plant-sourced protein powder; my go-to is chocolate-flavored Truvia.
How many protein balls can I eat a day?
Typically, protein balls are eaten as a healthy snack or supplement to your diet rather than a meal replacement. I recommend eating 2-3 in a day, but the serving size for this recipe is two balls.
When should you have protein balls?
• Snack: They are packed with protein and provide an energy boost to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
• Post-Workout: The protein in the pumpkin bites are a great post-workout snack to help replenish your muscles and aid in recovery after a workout.
• On-the-Go: This snack is a convenient option for busy days when you need a quick and portable source of protein. They can be easily carried in your bag or taken on trips as a healthy and filling snack option.
Pumpkin Protein Balls
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dates, about 4 large dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup chia or flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons protein powder
- ¾ cup nut butter
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 pinches sea salt
- dark chocolate, melted
- coconut flakes
- cocoa powder
- espresso powder
- Add the ingredients to a food processor and process until the mixture forms a cookie dough consistency.
- Scoop the mixture with a spoon or tablespoon and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Optional: Line the balls onto a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle them with melted chocolate. You can also roll the balls in coconut flakes, cocoa powder, or espresso powder and line them onto the sheet.
- Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
- Before rolling the mixture into balls, be sure the mixture has a cookie dough-like consistency. If it’s too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s easier to shape.
- If it’s hot outside, consider chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling them into balls, making them easier to handle.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Christy
Friday 18th of August 2023
My blender is broken so I'm looking for ways to use up protein powder that's not smoothies and this recipe will be perfect!
Tressa Jamil
Friday 18th of August 2023
You will love these! Be sure to come back and let me know what you think.