These Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are a tasty treat packed with goodness! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and warm spices, they are perfect for a quick snack.
I love whipping these up in no time and having them ready for when those hunger pangs hit. Plus, they give me all the cozy fall vibes, even in summer! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is great, but if you have fresh, cooked pumpkin, you can use that too! Just make sure it’s well-pureed. Butternut squash puree is another good substitute if you want a slightly different flavor.
Protein Powder: I often use vanilla protein powder for extra flavor. If you’re plant-based, try pea protein or a blend of plant proteins. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it, but the balls will have less protein.
Rolled Oats: You can swap rolled oats for quick oats if needed, but keep in mind they might lead to a softer texture. Also, if you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is my go-to, but peanut butter works just as well! For a nut-free option, use sunbutter or another seed butter. You can also reduce the quantity if you want lighter texture.
Dates: If you don’t have dates, you could use agave, maple syrup, or honey for sweetness, but adjust the dry ingredients accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
How Do I Make Sure My Protein Balls Stay Firm?
Getting the perfect texture is key to making sure your pumpkin spice protein balls hold together. Here’s how to do it:
- Watch the moisture: If your mixture seems too wet, add a bit more oats or almond flour until you reach a sticky but manageable consistency.
- Chill them: Make sure to refrigerate your protein balls for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely!
- Small portions: Rolling them into 1-inch balls makes them easier to handle and keeps them more compact.
- Storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they maintain their shape and freshness.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, healthy snack ready to go!
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: raisins or dried cranberries for mix-ins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes of chilling time. It’s a quick and easy treat that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the pitted dates and almond butter into a food processor. Blend them together until they form a smooth and sticky paste. This forms the sweet base for your protein balls!
2. Mix in the Pumpkin:
Next, add the canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Blend everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to incorporate the rolled oats, protein powder, and almond flour. Pulse the mixture a few times until it starts to clump together in a sticky dough. If it feels too wet, just add a little bit more rolled oats; if it’s too dry, add a splash more pumpkin puree.
4. Optional Mix-ins:
If you like a little extra sweetness and texture, fold in some raisins or dried cranberries by hand into the mixture. This step is entirely optional, but it adds a delightful chewiness!
5. Shape into Balls:
With clean hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a plate or tray. Make sure they are nice and compact!
6. Chill to Firm Up:
Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape better while providing a tasty bite!
7. Store for Later:
Once set, you can store your pumpkin spice protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze nicely for longer storage—perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack!
Enjoy these wholesome, cozy, and protein-packed pumpkin spice balls anytime you need a tasty boost!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and thoroughly puree the fresh pumpkin before using it in the recipe. Fresh pumpkin adds great flavor and freshness to your protein balls!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter protein ball, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture. Just be sure to balance it by adding a bit more oats or protein powder to maintain the consistency.
Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup, and use a plant-based protein powder. Also, ensure that the nut butter you use is vegan-friendly!
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
