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To make delicious pumpkin protein balls, you need some key ingredients: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) - 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) - A pinch of salt These items create a tasty snack that is rich in protein and flavor. The pumpkin puree gives moisture and a natural sweetness. The rolled oats add fiber, making these balls filling and healthy. You can get creative with mix-ins and substitutions. Here are some options: - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for a sweet touch) - Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) - Dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins) If you want to change the flavor, try different spices, like nutmeg or ginger. You can also use different nut butters, like cashew or sunflower seed butter. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these protein balls. Here are some swaps: - For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and plant-based protein powder. - If you need gluten-free snacks, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. - For nut-free options, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter. These alternatives keep the balls tasty while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy making them your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. Next, add 1/4 cup of almond butter or peanut butter. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Finally, include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until they are smooth. This base adds flavor and moisture to your protein balls. In a separate bowl, gather your dry ingredients. Whisk together 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of protein powder. You can use vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Mix this well. The dry mix gives your protein balls structure and flavor. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir continuously until you see no dry spots. If you want, fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips at this point. Once everything is combined, you can start shaping the balls. Wet your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this step until all the mixture is used. Place your formed protein balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up. After chilling, transfer the balls to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious snack anytime! To make your pumpkin protein balls burst with flavor, add spices. Pumpkin pie spice is a great choice. It mixes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. If you want a bolder taste, use extra cinnamon. You can also try ginger or cloves for a warm touch. Experimenting with spices lets you create your own unique twist. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust the spice blend to suit your palate. Storing your protein balls properly keeps them fresh. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. When you are ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. These protein balls are perfect for snacks any time of day. Enjoy them in the morning with coffee or tea. They are also great before or after workouts. The mix of protein and healthy carbs fuels your body. You can even pack them for lunch or a picnic. Whenever you need a tasty boost, these pumpkin protein balls will hit the spot. Pro Tips Store in the Freezer: For longer shelf life, freeze the protein balls. They can be stored for up to three months and make for a quick snack when you're on the go. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the flavor by adding different spices such as nutmeg or ginger, or by using flavored protein powder for a unique twist. Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized protein balls, use a cookie scoop. It makes portioning easier and ensures all your protein balls are uniform. Make it a Family Activity: Get the kids involved! Rolling the protein balls can be a fun cooking project that encourages healthy eating habits. {{image_2}} You can easily make these protein balls vegan. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Swap almond butter for a nut-free option like sunflower seed butter. Choose a plant-based protein powder. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty treat! To make your pumpkin protein balls gluten-free, stick to gluten-free oats. Most rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but check the label to be sure. This small change allows those with gluten allergies to indulge without worry. You can get creative with flavors! Add dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Try a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. If you love spice, add extra pumpkin pie spice. Each variation gives a new twist to this healthy snack! You can store your pumpkin protein balls in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will last for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze pumpkin protein balls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. This way, they won't stick together. After about an hour, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before eating. To keep pumpkin protein balls fresh, avoid touching them with wet hands. This can introduce moisture. Always use clean utensils when serving. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to discard them. Keeping your snacks safe and tasty is key! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook it until soft. Then, mash it well. This gives a fresher taste. Just make sure to remove excess water. Canned pumpkin is easy, but fresh has its charm. These protein balls last about a week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Just thaw them when ready to eat. You can use peanut butter if you like. Sunflower seed butter works well too. Both options add a nice taste. Choose a nut or seed butter that you enjoy. Yes, they are great for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge or freezer. They make a quick, healthy snack for busy days. You now know how to make tasty pumpkin protein balls. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations for diet needs. You learned easy ways to store and enjoy them, too. These protein balls are great snacks or meal prep options. Feel free to try new flavors and mix-ins. Make them your own! Enjoy every bite while fueling your body with healthy ingredients.

Pumpkin Power Protein Balls

Delicious and nutritious protein balls made with pumpkin, oats, and nut butter.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
  • 0.25 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
  • Once the mixture is combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly.
  • After chilling, wet your hands and scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into a ball shape. Repeat until all mixture is formed into balls.
  • Place the protein balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Arrange the protein balls on a colorful plate or in a mason jar for a visually appealing gift. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra touch!
Keyword healthy, protein, pumpkin, snack