These Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! Packed with oats, pumpkin, and protein, they are perfect for a quick energy boost anytime.
I love making these little bites when I need a snack that’s both filling and fun. Plus, they taste great, and they are super easy to whip up! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These give the protein balls their chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but they might be a bit softer. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free oats!
Pumpkin Puree: This adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. You could also substitute with sweet potato puree if needed.
Nut Butter: I love peanut butter for its richness, but almond butter works well too! If allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both sweeteners work beautifully in these balls. Feel free to use agave syrup or a sugar alternative if you’re looking for a lower sugar option.
Protein Powder: Vanilla powder adds a nice flavor boost. If you prefer, you can skip it altogether or use a plant-based protein powder to keep things vegan.
How Do I Make Sure the Protein Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key for these protein balls. After mixing your wet and dry ingredients, the mixture should be sticky but not too wet. Here’s how to adjust it:
- If the mixture feels too wet and won’t form balls, add more rolled oats a tablespoon at a time.
- If it’s too dry, mix in a little more pumpkin puree or nut butter to achieve the perfect consistency.
Also, don’t hesitate to use your hands to squish the mixture together when forming the balls. This helps them stick together better!
Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 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
Flavoring & Nutrition:
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (about 30g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or a blend of ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins (Optional):
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing, you’ll let the protein balls chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. Overall, you’ll have a scrumptious snack ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, add the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. This will create the flavorful base of your protein balls!
2. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Whisk or stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will bring moisture and sweetness to the protein balls.
3. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to combine! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well. You want the mixture to be sticky, but it should hold together when you form a ball. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more rolled oats. If it feels too dry, add a splash more pumpkin or nut butter until you reach the right consistency.
4. Adding Extra Goodness:
If you’re using them, fold in the raisins or dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds into the mixture. These additions will give a lovely texture and extra flavor!
5. Forming the Balls:
Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Don’t worry about them being perfect—just make them bite-sized!
6. Chilling Time:
Place the formed balls into an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour so they can firm up and hold their shape better.
7. Enjoy!
Once chilled, your Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls are ready to eat! They make a great snack any time of day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy this chewy, slightly sweet treat packed with pumpkin goodness!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter gives a rich flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are excellent alternatives if you have allergies or just want something different.
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Store your Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make Them Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Additionally, ensure that your protein powder is plant-based!
What Can I Use Instead of Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder on hand, you can skip it altogether or consider adding a bit more oats to maintain the texture. You could also add some ground nuts or seeds for extra nutrition!
