Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe

Introduction

Protein balls are a smart and satisfying snack, and these pumpkin protein balls are no exception. Packed with wholesome ingredients and warm fall spices, they offer a delicious, no-bake treat that’s perfect for on-the-go energy.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or cinnamon)
• 2/3 cup almond butter (or any preferred nut or seed butter)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, and protein powder until evenly mixed.
2. Step 2: Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice blend, almond butter, and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix everything until combined into a cohesive dough. If too dry, add a splash of milk or water.
3. Step 3: Line a large plate with parchment paper. Using your hands, form the dough into 18 small balls and place them on the lined plate.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the plate for at least 30 minutes to allow the balls to firm up and hold their shape.
5. Step 5: Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

• Use canned pumpkin puree labeled with only “pumpkin” to ensure the right moisture and flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling.
• Substitute oat flour by blending rolled oats, or try almond or all-purpose flour as alternatives.
• For a nut-free version, swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter.
• Adjust the amount of maple syrup if using different protein powders, as liquid absorption varies.
• Let nut butter come to room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending.
• If mixture feels too sticky, chill for 15-20 minutes before rolling and keep hands slightly damp to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. To thaw, transfer from freezer to fridge overnight or leave at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works well. Just make sure to strain excess moisture through a cheesecloth if it’s too wet to ensure the right consistency.

Are these protein balls vegan?

They can be vegan depending on the protein powder used. Choose a plant-based protein powder and a vegan sweetener to keep this snack vegan-friendly.

Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 18 protein balls 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls are a no-bake, nutrient-packed snack perfect for grab-and-go energy boosts. Combining creamy pumpkin puree with warm spices, dates, rolled oats, chia seeds, and protein powder, they offer a delightful fall-inspired flavor that’s both filling and satisfying. Made with wholesome, diet-friendly ingredients, these protein balls make for an easy, convenient treat suitable for meal prep and various dietary preferences.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or cinnamon)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2/3 cup almond butter (or any preferred nut or seed butter)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, protein powder, and pumpkin spice blend until evenly mixed. This helps ensure a uniform base before adding wet ingredients.
2. Combine All Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk or water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
3. Shape the Protein Balls: Line a large plate with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using your hands, form the dough into 18 small balls and place them evenly spaced on the lined plate.
4. Refrigerate and Firm Up: Place the plate in the refrigerator and chill the protein balls for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up and hold their shape better.
5. Serve and Store: Once firm, enjoy these protein balls as a nutritious snack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Notes

• If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more maple syrup or pumpkin puree, one teaspoon at a time.
• Allow nut butter to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending.
• Use unflavored or naturally sweetened protein powder to maintain balanced taste.
• Chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
• Keep hands slightly damp when rolling to prevent sticking.
• You can substitute oat flour with finely blended rolled oats or almond flour and coconut flour with double the amount of almond flour.
• Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
• Use pure pumpkin puree only, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin protein balls, healthy snack, no bake protein balls, pumpkin puree snack, gluten free snacks, fall flavors, quick protein snack