Pumpkin Protein Balls
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These Pumpkin Protein Balls are my go-to fall snack. They're dietitian-approved, nutrient-packed, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor in every bite. Plus they come together in just five minutes!
We're big fans of protein balls and quick energy bites in our house. They're lifesavers on busy weeknights! With fall time here, I wanted to give our favorite snack a seasonal twist, so I whipped up this pumpkin flavored recipe.
Quick Look: Pumpkin Protein Balls
- 🕒 Total Time: 5 minutes
- 👥 Servings: ~24 balls
- 📊 Calories: ~92 per ball
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy!
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For another healthy pumpkin snack option, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Protein Smoothie! My Protein Puppy Chow and Lower Calorie Protein Balls are also some of our favorite snacks to keep on hand.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect No-Bake Fall Snack - These are the perfect no bake pumpkin bites that scream fall. They're like a healthy little serving of pumpkin pie.
- Meal Prep Friendly - Make a batch ahead of time for grab-and-go snacks all week.
- On the Go Snack - Perfect for tossing in your gym bag, lunch box, or road trip cooler.
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Select Ingredients
- Oats - old fashioned oats work well here as they soften with other ingredients but still hold their shape. You can use quick oats if you prefer as well but the protein balls may be a bit stickier.
- Pumpkin puree - Avoid pumpkin pie filling! Pumpkin purée is simply cooked pumpkin with no added sugar or spices, which means you get all the natural flavor, fiber, and nutrients without added sugar.
- Peanut butter - Use a natural peanut butter or an alternative butter like almond or sunflower butter for creaminess
- Maple syrup - real maple syrup works best. Avoid other processed syrups.
- Vanilla protein powder - you can use unflavored, but you may want to add vanilla extract to bring the vanilla flavor. I love the Clean Simple Eats vanilla protein powder.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Swap the nut butter: Try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor. If you need a nut-free option, try sunflower butter.
➡️ Sweetener alternatives: Use honey, agave, or even brown rice syrup in place of maple syrup to adjust sweetness or accommodate what you have on hand.
➡️ Boost the nutrition: Mix in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds for extra fiber, omega-3s, and crunch.
How To Make These Pumpkin Protein Balls
- Step 1: Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and combine thoroughly.
- Step 2: Roll into 1.5 Tablespoon balls and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes before serving.
See the recipe card for complete instructions.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Protein balls can be a healthy snack option when made with nourishing ingredients like these pumpkin protein balls. They're often packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins that help support steady energy and keep you feeling satisfied between meals. Protein balls can still be calorie-dense, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Pumpkin protein balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay fresh for up to one week when chilled, which also helps them hold their shape and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months then just thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying. This makes them an easy make-ahead snack to keep on hand for busy days.
Get healthy dinner recipes without the stress! Check out my Wholesome Meals Made Easy dinner planning app for easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
Other High-Protein Recipes to consider
If you tried these Pumpkin Protein Balls or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! Thanks for visiting today!
Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup Pumpkin puree unsweetened
- ¼ cup Natural peanut butter
- ⅓ cup Maple syrup
- 2 scoops Vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ cup Mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.
- Add pumpkin puree, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined. The dough should be sticky but manageable.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop about 1½ tablespoons per ball and roll into bite-sized balls.
This is the best way to add a little flavor of fall to one of my family's favorite snacks! So good!