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To make these tasty pumpkin protein balls, you need the following items: - 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 ground cinnamon) - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - A pinch of salt You can easily swap some ingredients. Almond butter works great, but you can use peanut butter if you prefer. Both add healthy fats. For sweetness, honey and maple syrup are interchangeable. Choose the one you like best. You can also skip the dark chocolate chips if you want to keep it simple. These pumpkin protein balls are not just tasty; they are good for you too! - Canned pumpkin: It is packed with vitamins A and C. It also adds moisture. - Rolled oats: They offer fiber, which helps you feel full longer. - Protein powder: This boosts protein content, supporting muscle growth and recovery. - Almond butter: It provides healthy fats and protein, which keep energy levels steady. - Honey or maple syrup: Both add natural sweetness and antioxidants. Using these ingredients makes for a snack that is both nutritious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. Then, include 1/4 cup of almond butter or peanut butter. I like almond butter for its rich taste. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. This gives our balls a sweet touch. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Mix everything with a spatula or whisk until it's smooth. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup of protein powder. You can use either vanilla or unflavored protein powder. Then, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon. This spice adds warmth and depth. Don't forget a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Make sure all the dry ingredients blend well. Now, slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is combined. If you like dark chocolate, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. After mixing, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up. Once chilled, wet your hands to avoid sticking. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until you shape all the mixture. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can store them in an airtight container. Enjoy them fresh or freeze them for later! When you mix your ingredients, start with the wet ones. Use a large bowl for this. Combine the canned pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or whisk to blend until it's smooth. This step ensures your balls will be tasty and moist. In a separate bowl, mix the dry items. Combine rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk them well. Then, add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir continuously to blend everything well. This helps the flavors mix evenly. After mixing, chill the mixture for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to shape into balls. It also helps with the texture. To prevent sticking, wet your hands before shaping. This small trick is key! It helps the mixture glide off your hands. You can also use a scoop to measure out the mixture. This keeps them uniform. If you find the mixture too sticky, add a bit more oats or protein powder. Just a little will help! Make sure to keep your hands moist throughout the process. Presentation matters! For a nice display, use a colorful plate or a mason jar. This makes your snack look inviting. You can add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a sweet touch. This not only looks good but also adds flavor. Lastly, consider adding some nuts or seeds around the balls on the plate. This adds color and texture. Enjoy your tasty pumpkin protein balls! Pro Tips Chill for Best Results: Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes not only helps in shaping the balls but also enhances the flavors, making them more enjoyable. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your taste preference. You can even experiment with other sweeteners like agave or stevia. Add Texture: For added crunch, consider mixing in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits into the mixture before rolling them into balls. Perfect for Meal Prep: These protein balls make an excellent snack for busy days. Prepare a batch and store them in individual containers for grab-and-go convenience! {{image_4}} To make vegan pumpkin protein balls, simply swap the honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweet taste while making it plant-based. You can also use a vegan protein powder. This makes the snack suitable for everyone, even those who avoid animal products. If you need gluten-free protein balls, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Most rolled oats are fine, but it's good to check. You can also substitute the protein powder with a gluten-free option. This way, you can enjoy a tasty snack without any worries about gluten. You can add nuts, seeds, or different spices to the mix. Try adding chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavors. For a sweet twist, fold in dark chocolate chips. Each of these additions brings new flavors and textures. Experiment with what you like best! To keep your pumpkin protein balls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay moist and tasty. You can place them in the fridge for easy access. Just remember to seal the container well. This will keep them from drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, roll the balls as you normally would. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. After that, transfer the balls to a freezer bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. This way, you know how long they have been in the freezer. In the fridge, pumpkin protein balls last about a week. They are still good but best eaten within this time. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. This makes freezing a smart choice if you want them to last longer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before eating. They will taste fresh and delicious after freezing! You can make these pumpkin protein balls healthier in a few ways. First, consider using a natural nut butter with no added sugar. This option boosts healthy fats while cutting down on sugar. You can also swap out the chocolate chips for nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Adding chia seeds or flaxseeds can increase fiber and omega-3s. Lastly, try reducing the sweetener amount. Your taste buds may adjust, and you’ll still enjoy the flavor. Yes, you can use several sweeteners in place of honey or maple syrup. Agave syrup is a great choice. It has a mild taste and is easy to mix. If you want to cut sugar even more, try using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. These options will add natural sweetness and moisture to your protein balls. Just remember, different sweeteners may change the taste slightly, so adjust based on your preferences. There are many fun ways to enjoy pumpkin protein balls! You can have them as a quick snack on the go. They are also perfect after a workout. Pair them with a piece of fruit for a balanced meal. For a special treat, serve them with a cup of tea or coffee. You can even create a fun snack board with different dips, like yogurt or nut butter, for a delightful experience. We covered how to make delicious pumpkin protein balls. You learned about the key ingredients, with useful substitutions and health benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions to mix, shape, and chill. You found tips to perfect your mixing and shaping. We explored variations for diets like vegan or gluten-free and how to store them for freshness. These tasty snacks are easy to make and fun to enjoy. Try them today!

Pumpkin Power Protein Balls

Delicious and nutritious protein balls made with pumpkin puree, oats, and protein powder, perfect for a healthy snack.
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 (choose vanilla or unflavored)
  • 0.25 cup almond butter (or substitute with peanut butter)
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon)
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for a sweet twist)
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the canned pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or whisk to mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt until they're thoroughly mixed.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring continuously to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. If you're using dark chocolate chips, carefully fold them into the mixture at this point.
  • Once you have a cohesive mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
  • After chilling, wet your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop out approximately one tablespoon of the mixture at a time. Roll this into a ball shape using your palms. Continue this process until all the mixture is rolled into balls.
  • Place the finished protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in an airtight container.
  • For storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for extended freshness.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, arrange the protein balls on a vibrant plate or in a mason jar, making them perfect for gifting. Elevate the visual appeal by drizzling some melted chocolate on top before serving!
Keyword healthy snack, protein balls, pumpkin