These Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are a fun and tasty treat! Made with pumpkin, oats, and a hint of spice, they’re perfect for a quick snack or a boost before your workout.
Trust me, making these is as easy as pie! I love rolling them up while humming along to my favorite tunes. They’re also great for sharing, but you might want to keep some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These serve as the base of your protein balls, adding texture and fiber. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats or even ground oats can work, just note the texture might be a bit different.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and gives a great flavor. If you prefer, you can use homemade puree made from roasted pumpkin. Just ensure it’s smooth for the right consistency.
Nut Butter: I love using peanut butter for its rich taste, but almond butter or cashew butter are good alternatives if you want a different flavor or need a nut-free option. Sunflower seed butter is great for allergies!
Sweetener: Honey brings a lovely sweetness, but maple syrup works beautifully if you want a vegan option. You might also try agave syrup or date syrup depending on what you have on hand.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder adds flavor and boosts protein content. If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use a different flavor; just be cautious of the sweetness level.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency for the Dough?
Getting the dough just right is key to rolling the protein balls effectively. If your mixture feels too wet, you can add more oats or protein powder to absorb the moisture. On the flip side, if it’s too dry, add a touch more pumpkin puree or nut butter to moisten it up.
- Mix well until everything is combined. Don’t worry if it feels sticky; that means you’re on the right track!
- Form into balls and place them on a plate or baking sheet. You might want to wet your hands slightly to help them roll easier.
- Chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to grab as a snack.
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for making a healthy snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute all the spices. This will ensure every bite is flavorful!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, your choice of nut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla protein powder to the bowl with the dry ingredients. These ingredients will help to create a delicious and chewy texture.
3. Combine Everything:
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly using a spatula or your hands. Keep mixing until the mixture becomes sticky and everything is well combined. This will be your dough!
4. Adjust the Texture if Needed:
If the mixture seems too wet, sprinkle in a bit more protein powder or oats until it reaches a consistency that is easy to handle. Conversely, if it’s too dry, add a small dollop of pumpkin puree or nut butter to bring it together again.
5. Shape the Protein Balls:
Using your hands, take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the shape will still be delicious!
6. Chill to Firm Up:
Pop the plate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the balls firm up and make them easier to grab as a quick snack later.
7. Store and Enjoy:
Once they’ve chilled, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to a week or you can freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy these tasty bites anytime you need a healthy snack!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is delicious, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just be aware that different nut butters may slightly alter the flavor of the protein balls.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these protein balls vegan, simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Use a plant-based protein powder if needed, and all other ingredients in the recipe are already vegan-friendly.
Can I Add Mix-Ins?
Yes, feel free to customize your protein balls! You can mix in dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the measurements slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Them?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.