These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls are a delicious snack packed with energy! Made with creamy pumpkin, sweet chocolate chips, and protein, they are both tasty and healthy!
Perfect for a quick treat or post-workout snack, you can whip them up in no time. I love how soft and chewy they are—it’s almost hard to eat just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are essential for texture and energy. If you need gluten-free options, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats work in a pinch but may change the texture a bit.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. If you can’t find pumpkin, use mashed sweet potatoes instead for a similar taste.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is my favorite for its creamy texture, but feel free to switch it up! Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives if you have nut allergies.
Honey or Maple Syrup: For sweetness, honey adds a nice flavor, but maple syrup is a great vegan choice. You could also use agave syrup if that’s what you have on hand.
Vanilla Protein Powder: I use vanilla for sweetness and flavor, but chocolate protein powder can also work. If you prefer not to use protein powder, you can try adding a bit more oats for structure.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for Protein Balls?
To get the right texture for your protein balls, it’s important to balance the wet and dry ingredients. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Start with the dry ingredients: Mix your oats, protein powder, spices, and salt first.
- Add wet ingredients gradually: Combine pumpkin puree and nut butter, then mix in honey or syrup.
- Adjust as needed: If your mixture feels too dry, add a splash of water or more pumpkin puree. If it’s too wet, a bit more oats can help.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the balls helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes for the protein balls to set in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix them together until well combined. This will create a flavorful base for your protein balls!
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup of almond butter, and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Make sure everything is mixed evenly!
3. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, it’s time to make it even more delicious! Gently fold in 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Rolling the Balls:
Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for each ball.
5. Chilling the Protein Balls:
Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate, making sure to leave some space between each one. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. This will help them hold their shape!
6. Storing and Enjoying:
Once they’re chilled and firm, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy these tasty bites as a quick snack or a nutritious post-workout boost!
Now you have a delicious, healthy treat ready to go anytime you need a pick-me-up! Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter is delicious, you can easily substitute it with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Each will give the protein balls a unique flavor!
Can I Omit the Protein Powder?
Yes, you can leave out the protein powder if desired. Just be aware that this might affect the texture slightly. You can add a bit more oats to help maintain the consistency, or incorporate ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added nutrition.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your protein balls by adding nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. Just keep in mind to adjust the amount of wet ingredients slightly if adding extra dry components.
