These Pumpkin Protein Balls are an easy, no-bake snack that combines cozy pumpkin spice flavor with a satisfying boost of protein. Made with simple wholesome ingredients and in only 10 minutes, they're soft, lightly sweet and packed with fall flavor without feeling like you're eating a traditional pumpkin dessert (like pumpkin cookies). They're perfect when you need a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or something filling to enjoy between meals, like our dark chocolate energy balls.
Pumpkin protein balls are also great for meal prepping snacks for the week. Make a big batch in just minutes, store them in the fridge and grab one to go whenever hunger strikes! Pack them up for work, school or busy, picnics and camping trips. My kids and I love them when we have busy days shopping and running errands and as an after school snack or lunch box treat.
Want more pumpkin treat recipes for the season? Try our pumpkin pudding, pumpkin spice cheesecake and cream cheese stuffed pumpkin muffins next!
Table Of Contents
Are Pumpkin Protein Bites Healthy?
This recipe can be a wholesome, satisfying snack when made with ingredients like nut butter, oats, and pumpkin puree. Pumpkin adds natural sweetness and nutrients, while oats, nut butter and superfoods like chia and flax provide healthy fats, carbohydrates and fiber.
How Much Protein Is In Each Ball?
Depending on the size of the protein bite, each can have anywhere between 4 grams and 8 grams of protein.
Ingredients
This pumpkin bites recipe is full of healthy fats and good-for-you ingredients, making them a great way to enjoy snacking with feeling guilty. And to give your kids a good dose of the good stuff without having to fight it!
- Oats: I use quick oats for the best and smoothest texture, but old fashioned oats work as well. I don't recommend using steel cut oats.
- Peanut butter: all natural peanut butter, preferably creamy butter. Can be substituted with almond butter.
- Pumpkin puree: I use real pumpkin puree that I make homemade. If you're buying canned pumpkin puree, make sure it's not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree are usually right next to each at the store and can be easily mixed up.
- Pure honey: I use pure, local honey but pure maple syrup also works here.
- Flaxseed meal: also called ground flaxseed.
- Chia seeds: I love using chia seeds in my recipes but for kids who have texture issues, you may want to skip these or use a little less.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: adds a lovely hint of chocolate, in addition to the chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin pie spice: you can buy a pumpkin spice seasoning blend or make your own using nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice.
- Chocolate chips: while I prefer dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips are just as delicious!
How To Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (both wet ingredients and dry ingredients- no need to dirty a second bowl!). Mix well using a wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer set to low speed.
- Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls, using about 2 tablespoon of batter (you can make the balls as small or as large as you'd like). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Kristina's Tips
- For kids with sensory or texture issues, you can run the mixture through a food processor prior to shaping to balls.
- The balls may be soft right after rolling, so you can chill them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving if desired.
- This recipe is a great starting point for making lots of different healthy energy bites. You can add things like pumpkin seeds, sea salt, brown sugar, etc. to have them fit your own taste buds. These dark chocolate sea salt energy balls are another one of our favorite snacks.
How To Store Protein Balls
Store in an airtight container or large bowl covered with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also use mini muffin tins to store them (my kids think this is fun). They can be frozen for up to 6 months in freezer safe storage bags.
How Long Do Pumpkin Protein Balls Last?
When stored in an airtight container properly, that will last 5-7 days in the fridge. When frozen they can last for 6 months and if stored at room temperature they will last up to 3 days.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Recipe
Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats
- ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well using a wooden spoon or an electric hand mixer set to low speed.
- Roll mixture into 1 inch balls, using about 2 tablespoon of batter (you can make the balls as small or as large as you'd like). Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or container.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
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