Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls (From a Fitness Trainer!)

These pumpkin protein balls are a no-bake healthy snack or dessert you can feel good about! They can be made with just a handful of simple pantry staples and 10 minutes or less of prep work – you’re going to love them!

Anyone who knows me knows that pumpkin is one of my all time favorite foods; I’m OBSESSED! These pumpkin protein bites taste like rolled up pumpkin pie filling and they deliver on the nutrients since they provide healthy fats, fiber, protein, and more. 

Not to mention, these pumpkin protein balls are easily adaptable to a variety of diets or restrictions like vegan or gluten free – no problem.

Plus, my family loves these and I feel good about letting them snack on them since they are made from nutrient-rich ingredients like oats, pumpkin, nut butter, and flax.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Protein Balls

Use these simple and fresh ingredients packed with nutritional value to make these delicious no-bake pumpkin protein balls. 

• Rolled Oats: I always have some old-fashioned oats in the pantry so it’s what I reach for when making these bites – but you can also use quick cooking oats or substitute with oat flour if you happen to have that on hand. 
• Pumpkin Puree: use the plain canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened. This adds all that yummy pumpkin flavor. 
• Peanut Butter: the peanut butter in these bites helps bind them together and adds healthy fats and protein. Use a creamy peanut butter for best results. Other nut butters can work well- we suggest creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. 
• Protein Powder: use either a vanilla protein powder or unflavored protein powder for these. You can also substitute with collagen if you prefer. 
• Maple Syrup: adds a little bit of sweetness to these bites. You can substitute honey or another sweetener of your choice like agave.
• Ground Flaxseeds: I love to sneak flaxseeds into these high protein bites for extra fiber and healthy fats (flaxseeds are a good source of plant-based omega-3s).
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: the perfect blend of warm spices to pair with the pumpkin. If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can make your own pumpkin pie spice, or just use cinnamon.
• Sea Salt: a little bit of salt helps bring out all the flavors in these pumpkin energy balls. 

Variations

Add Mix-Ins: make this recipe your own by adding other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, chopped up dark chocolate, hemp hearts, chia seeds, raisins, or chopped nuts.

Make it Vegan (and Dairy-Free): use a plant-based protein powder. 

Make it Gluten Free: use gluten free certified oats. 

​​Make it Nut-Free: use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. 

How to Make Pumpkin Protein Bites

This pumpkin protein balls recipe is simple to put together in a few steps.

Grind Up the Oats: Add the rolled oats to a food processor or single serving blender cup and puree until finely ground like oat flour. – OR – Use ¾ cup oat flour if you have that on hand. 

Mix the Dough: Add ground oats, pumpkin, peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, flaxseeds, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt to a large mixing bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon until dough forms. 

Shape: Shape into tablespoon sized balls (I like to use a small cookie scoop to help make more uniformly sized bites) and arrange on a plate or Tupperware lined with parchment paper. Store in a Tupperware container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Store

Fridge: store prepped protein bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They are a great option for meal prep!

Freezer: you can keep these pumpkin energy bites in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Allow to thaw a couple minutes at room temperature before snacking.

Are Pumpkin Protein Balls Good For You?

Yes! These pumpkin protein energy balls are a simple homemade snack that is also good for you. The oats and flaxseeds provide healthy carbs with lots of fiber, a nutrient most of us aren’t getting enough of in our day to day. In addition, flaxseeds offer plant-based omega-3s, a heart healthy fat.

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C as well as potassium. I love snacking on two of them as an afternoon snack or post-workout. 

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