Pumpkin isn’t just for pies and lattes—it’s also the perfect ingredient for healthy snacks. These Pumpkin Protein Balls are quick, no-bake energy bites made with pumpkin purée, oats, nut butter, and protein powder. Packed with fall spices and naturally sweetened, they’re a delicious way to stay energized during busy days. Perfect for meal prep, post-workout snacks, or a cozy fall pick-me-up, these little bites are nutritious, portable, and crave-worthy.
Pumpkin Protein Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- spoon or cookie scoop
- Parchment paper
- airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin, nut butter, honey, protein powder, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until mixture comes together.
- If too dry, add more pumpkin or nut butter. If too sticky, add more oats or protein powder.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm. Store in airtight container.
Notes
What are Pumpkin Protein Balls?
Pumpkin Protein Balls are bite-sized snacks made from a mixture of oats, protein powder, nut butter, and pumpkin purée. They’re flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice and rolled into small, poppable balls. They’re similar to energy bites or bliss balls but with a seasonal pumpkin twist. Best of all, they don’t require baking—just mix, roll, and chill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 16 protein balls.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew butter)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (or unflavored)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional add-ins
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed meal (for fiber)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Substitutions
- Nut-free: use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Vegan: use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-free: use certified gluten-free oats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix ingredients
In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin, nut butter, honey, protein powder, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until mixture comes together.
Step 2: Adjust texture
If too dry, add more pumpkin or nut butter. If too sticky, add more oats or protein powder.
Step 3: Roll into balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls. Place on parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in airtight container.
Tips for the Best Protein Balls
- Use drippy nut butter for easier mixing.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when rolling.
- Chill before serving for best texture.
- Double the batch—they disappear fast!
Variations
- Pumpkin chocolate protein balls: Stir in chocolate chips or dip in melted dark chocolate.
- Pumpkin spice latte bites: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
- Cranberry pumpkin balls: Mix in dried cranberries for tartness.
- Pumpkin cheesecake bites: Add 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese to mixture.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw for a few minutes before eating.
- Meal prep: Portion into snack bags for easy grab-and-go.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin Protein Balls are perfect for:
- Pre- or post-workout snacks
- Lunchbox add-ins
- Afternoon energy boosts
- Healthy holiday treats
- Fall-themed charcuterie or snack boards
Nutrition Breakdown
One protein ball (1/16 recipe) has about 90–110 calories, 5 grams protein, 10 grams carbs, and 4 grams fat. Adding chocolate chips or nuts increases calories slightly.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Protein Balls are a quick, no-bake snack that combines the cozy flavor of pumpkin spice with the nutrition of oats, nut butter, and protein powder. They’re healthy, customizable, and perfect for keeping energy levels steady throughout the day. Whether you enjoy them as a workout snack or a festive fall treat, these little bites are sure to become a seasonal staple.
FAQs
Can I make these without protein powder?
Yes, just replace with extra oats or ground flaxseed.
Do these taste like pumpkin pie?
Yes, they have the same warm spice profile with a chewy texture.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep them chilled to maintain firmness.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, only rolled oats or quick oats work for the right texture.