Pumpkin Protein Balls

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Easy pumpkin protein balls come together with simple ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep time! They’re a convenient make-ahead treat, post-workout snack, or healthy dessert. Plus, they are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and refined-sugar free!

Creamy peanut butter, smooth pumpkin puree, and naturally sweet maple syrup mix together with oats and chocolate chips for the best snack ever! Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and grab one or two anytime you need a boost of protein. And the best part? These pumpkin spice balls will also totally satisfy your sweet tooth!

These are a no-bake, satisfying treat with only 7 wholesome ingredients you can find at the local grocery store. If you’ve been looking for a stress-free, easy to make protein recipe, you’ll definitely want to give these healthy pumpkin balls a try! I already know you will love these little bites just as much as my whole family does.

If pumpkin is not your thing, no worries! Try other no bake snacks like these peanut butter bliss balls instead!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile: Pumpkin protein bites can be enjoyed in many different ways, at various times of the day. Customize them with your favorite flavors and mix-ins, too! Whether it is pumpkin season or not, these will be your new favorite snack.
• Kid-Friendly: Not only are these delicious and healthy for your little ones, they are also a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen!
• Meal Prep: These are a great snack to make ahead of time and enjoy all week! Grab a few balls on your way out, enjoy them as a high protein snack throughout the day, or pack in lunch boxes.
• Minimal Effort: With just 10 minutes of prep time, minimal ingredients, and simple tools, you can mix these protein pumpkin balls up with ease! No food processor needed!

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🥘 Ingredients

Simple ingredients come together to make the most delicious pumpkin protein ball recipe! Scroll to the bottom of the post to see the recipe card with exact measurements. 

• Rolled Oats: Rolled oats, also known as old fashioned oats, work best for these pumpkin protein powder balls. If you’re gluten-free make sure that the oats are certified gluten-free as many brands are cross contaminated.
• Pumpkin Spice: You get the best fall flavors with cozy pumpkin pie spices, making these wonderful for the fall season but tasty enough year round!
• Pumpkin Puree: Real pumpkin puree helps bind the other ingredients and provides the perfect taste. Be sure you are using pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for the best flavor and results with these pumpkin protein energy balls.
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup provides a cozy flavor that pairs so well with the pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree, while adding natural sweetness.
• Peanut Butter: Get additional protein from smooth, natural peanut butter, which also helps to combine the ingredients and help them keep their shape.
• Chocolate Chips: I prefer to use vegan mini chocolate chips, which allows for a more even bite with chocolatey flavor.

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

• Quick Oats: For a minor adjustment in texture, you can use quick oats instead of the old-fashioned oats.
• Spices: You can use any mixture of fall spices to get that pumpkin spice flavor. Pick from cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, and/or cardamom.
• Protein Powder: Any protein powder works for this recipe – just be mindful of the ingredients if you are wanting to keep it plant-based and refined sugar free.
• Sweetener: Use honey, agave, or date syrup in replace of the maple syrup, if preferred. 
• Nut Butter: Any nut butter can be used for these pumpkin energy bites, if you have something else on hand or prefer a different taste from peanut butter.
• Chocolate Chips: Depending on dietary preferences, you can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips.

🔪 How To Make Pumpkin Protein Balls

Make these vegan pumpkin protein balls following the simple steps below:

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl mix together the wet and dry ingredients, except the chocolate chips, until well combined.

Add Chocolate Chips: Fold through the chocolate chips.

Form Balls: Scoop out 1 tbsp of mixture and roll into a ball. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Repeat: Repeat with remaining mixture, making approximately 24 balls.

Chill, Then Serve: Place the tray into the fridge and chill for 1-2 hours before serving these pumpkin spice energy balls.

💭 Expert Tips

• Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree or make your own pumpkin puree by peeling, dicing and roasting pumpkin until soft. When pumpkin is cooked through, blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Rolling The Balls: Use damp hands when rolling the balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Check The Oats: If you or someone in your family is gluten intolerant, be sure to use gluten-free oats.
• Adjust For Moisture: If the dough seems too wet to mold into balls, you can add a tablespoon or two of almond flour, oat flour, or coconut flour.

📖 Variations 

• Chocolate Covered Protein Balls: Melt vegan chocolate and dip the balls in a thin layer after they are done chilling. Allow the chocolate layer to set before serving.
• Pumpkin Protein Bars: Shape the no bake pumpkin energy balls into bars for another great option!
• Pumpkin Seed Protein Balls: Add in some pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and nutritional value. You may need to reduce some of the oats to keep the consistency similar for shaping the balls.
• Other Mix-Ins: Try these pumpkin chocolate chip protein balls with crushed walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sea salt, shredded coconut flakes, or dried cranberries.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy these pumpkin peanut butter protein balls as an grab-and-go option, post workout treat, or after school snack. Or, you can serve them alongside other goodies to enhance and transform them:

• Toppings: Pumpkin and chocolate go perfect together! Try these no bake pumpkin protein balls with a drizzle of vegan nutella over them.
• Ice Cream: Use these healthy pumpkin bites as a mix-in option, making a great addition to this tofu ice cream!
• Drinks: Create a cozy morning routine or afternoon pick-me-up, serving the healthy pumpkin protein balls with this honey latte, golden latte, or my chocolate boba drink.
• With Other Pumpkin Recipes: Sprinkle bits of these pumpkin oatmeal protein balls over this pumpkin spice oatmeal or this pumpkin yogurt parfait. They are also perfect alongside a healthy pumpkin smoothie or pumpkin spice latte.

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

These pumpkin pie protein balls are naturally vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it a friendly option for most diets. Here are two other ways to modify this recipe for other dietary needs:

• Peanut-Free Option: These are delicious with creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for sunbutter pumpkin protein balls. You can make extra pumpkin-y by using pumpkin seed butter, too!
• Sugar-Free Option: These little snacks are naturally refined sugar free, but if you want them to have no added sugar at all you can leave out the maple syrup. These easy pumpkin balls will not be as sweet, but still tasty! You’ll also want to use an unsweetened protein powder, or one sweetened with monk fruit or stevia. The brand Ora has an unflavored option with zero sugar or added sweeteners.

🫙 Storage Directions

Here is how to store and keep these pumpkin protein energy bites:

• Refrigerating: Store pumpkin power balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Pumpkin oat protein balls can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Pumpkin protein balls can be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If frozen, simply let thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours, or overnight.

❓Recipe FAQs

🥨 More Healthy Snack Recipes!

• Vegan Protein Balls
• Flaxseed Pudding
• Healthy Vegan Apple Nachos
• Strawberry Yogurt
• Vegan Rice Krispie Treats
• Peanut Butter Bliss Balls
• Healthy Matcha Muffins
• Vegan Breakfast Cookies
• High Protein Granola
• Easy Sesame Tahini Cookies
• Mango Protein Smoothie

📋 Recipe Card