Pumpkin Protein Balls (2024)

Why You Should Make These Healthy & Delicious Pumpkin Energy Bites

Here are the top 5 reasons you should make this pumpkin protein ball recipe:

1. Customizable: You can use a fall spice blend or cinnamon. Can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rolled oats. Make without nuts by using seed butter.
2. Healthy snack your entire family will love. These pumpkin protein balls are great for your teen's lunch or meal prep to take to work. Kids will love to have these yummy bites in their lunchbox!
3. Quick and easy no-bake snack to make in just about 10 minutes. Energy bites are one of the easiest snacks to prep for busy weekdays ahead!
4. Delicious little bite if you have a sweet tooth!
5. Great post-workout snack.

Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients You Need

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

What kind of oats should I use?

Rolled oats provide structure for these pumpkin protein bites. Substitute old-fashioned oats with steel-cut oats, quick oats, gluten-free oatmeal, or use oat flour for a smoother texture.

Do I need protein to make energy bites?

Vanilla protein powder gives these energy bites extra grams of protein. I use my favorite vanilla protein powder, Orgain (a plant-based protein powder). It has stevia, giving the protein bites a sweet flavor.

You can use unsweetened protein powder or make them without protein powder.

Can I use any nut butter?

Creamy almond butter helps to bind the pumpkin spice protein balls together. You can also use cashew butter, creamy peanut butter, or sun butter.

You may substitute almond butter with cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter if you prefer.

Should I use canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling?

Real pumpkin puree provides moisture and the delicious pumpkin flavor in these pumpkin energy balls. Select puree rather than pie filling.

What is the best sweetener for making pumpkin protein balls?

Raw honey, pure maple syrup, agave nectar, or your favorite liquid sweetener helps to make this perfect fall snack taste like little bites of pumpkin pie!

What should I use to increase the warm pumpkin spice flavor?

Cinnamon provides a warm, spiced flavor. Try pumpkin spice for even more fall flavors.

Vanilla extract also helps to bring a warm flavor to these bites.

Variations for Making Protein Pumpkin Balls

• Add chia seeds for a boost of healthy fats like Omega-3s.
• Stir in mini chocolate chips for a delicious flavor combo (just like our pumpkin bread!)
• To make these low-carb and with no oats, omit oats and increase the amount of protein powder or add in some almond flour. Use a no-added sugar liquid sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Make them without nut butter and no nuts by substituting sunflower seed butter.
• Add in your other favorite mix-ins such as chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, toasted coconut flakes, or a pinch of sea salt.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1

Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You could also use a food processor.

Step 2

Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out about 24 small bites onto a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll the bites into smooth balls and freezer for 10 minutes to set.

How to Store Pumpkin Protein Balls

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• To store longer, refrigerate the balls in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.
• To freeze, place the balls onto a baking sheet. Freeze for one hour and then move to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

• If this mixture is too dry or crumbling, add in additional pumpkin puree or a drizzle of almond milk.
• If the mixture is too wet, add in additional oats or protein powder.
• Thoroughly mix the oat mixture and use a small scoop to make the balls.
• If you love this recipe be sure to try energy balls with dates, gluten-free pumpkin bread, Starbucks pumpkin muffins, or homemade perfect bars!

Pumpkin Protein Balls

These no bake pumpkin protein are super easy to make in under 10 minutes. Made with 6 simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, oats, with protein powder and vanilla and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free!

Servings 22 servings

Calories 65kcal

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.1g | Protein: 2.9g | Fat: 2.9g