Pumpkin Protein Balls

These pumpkin protein balls combine all your favorite things about pumpkin pie in a delicious bite-sized form! With only a few ingredients, you can make these healthy fall snacks in minutes. They’re perfect for when you need a little pumpkin spice in your life!

Once October hits, it’s time to pull out the pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin scones, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, everything becomes pumpkin! Even pumpkin protein bites 🙂 These no-bake protein balls make the best fall treat for on the go snacks, quick breakfasts, or even just satisfying your sweet tooth. All the flavor of pumpkin pie but in a cute, bite-sized form and made with wholesome ingredients.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Allergy friendly: These bites don’t contain any dairy, gluten, or peanuts making them a great option if you deal with dietary restrictions.
• No-bake: All you have to do to make these protein balls is combine the ingredients in a bowl, roll the dough into balls, and freeze them for a bit to firm up. So simple.
• 5 ingredients: Besides the spices, you really only need 5 ingredients – pumpkin, oats, protein powder, maple syrup, and almond butter. All simple and wholesome ingredients that will fuel your body well.
• Quick and easy: These protein bites only take about 10 minutes to make. Whip up a batch on Sunday, then keep them in the fridge so you can enjoy these healthy snacks on the go throughout your week.
• Healthy Option: Each bite has 5 grams of protein, making them a great option when you need a little boost in energy. Plus, they are free of refined sugars and contain fiber, healthy fats, and even some vitamins from the pumpkin.

Tips for making Pumpkin Protein Balls

• These pumpkin protein balls are naturally gluten-free, but if you have celiac or are very sensitive to gluten, make sure to use gluten-free oats.
• The batter for these pumpkin bites can be sticky. If you’re having a hard time rolling it into balls, you can add extra oats or try refrigerating the batter for a few minutes before you roll them into balls.
• If you don’t have protein powder, you can replace it with another 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of flax seed, or 1/2 cup of chia seeds. You can also just add 1/2 cup of flax seed or chia seeds to these cookies if you want for added nutrition!
• For the protein powder, I used an unflavored collagen protein powder. You could also use a plant-based protein powder if you prefer.
• Make sure to freeze these bites for 30 minutes before putting them in the fridge. It will help them hold their shape since the dough is a bit sticky.
• Pumpkin seeds really are the perfect fall decoration for this recipe, but you could also use pecans, almond slicers, or chocolate chunks too.
• You can keep these snacks in the fridge for a week in an air-tight container. They make a great snack or breakfast on the go!

Tools you will need

You’ll need a bowl, measuring cups, spoon, and baking tray with parchment paper.

Ingredients you will need

You only need 5 ingredients plus spices for this recipe, super easy!

• 1 3/4 cup oats – You can use quick or old-fashioned oats for this.
• 3/4 cup pumpkin – You can use canned pumpkin or make your own.
• 1/2 cup protein powder – Use whatever protein powder you like, just make sure it has a plain or vanilla flavor. I like to use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides for this.
• 1/4 cup almond butter – If you’re allergic to almonds, you can also use sunflower seed butter.
• 2 tbsp maple syrup – It adds such a cozy fall flavor! You can also use honey if you prefer though.
• 1 tbsp pumpkin spice seasoning – This makes all the difference! If you don’t have it though, try using 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt – Kosher salt works well. You can omit this though it you’re using almond butter that already has salt.
• pumpkin seeds for decoration – Not necessary, but they do make these bites look so cute. 🙂

How to make Pumpkin Protein Balls

Combine the pumpkin, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl.

Stir in the protein powder, then add in the oats, salt, and pumpkin spice seasoning.

Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Roll the pumpkin dough into 16 balls and place them on the tray. You can also use a cookie dough scoop here to make this easier!

Press a pumpkin seed on the top of each ball for decoration.

Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes, then transfer them to an air-tight container and store them in the fridge.

Looking for more healthy no-bake snacks?

If so, make sure you head over to the Kitchen Counter for lots of great recipes. Here are a few you might enjoy:

• Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
• Banana Bites
• Carrot Hummus
• Chickpea Chicken Salad
• Fruit and Nut Bars

If you make this recipe and enjoy it, let me know in the comments section below! You can also tag me on instagram @oldfashionedinspiration with a picture of your creation.