These Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are a fun and tasty snack packed with goodness! They’re made with pumpkin puree, oats, and a hint of spice to give them that autumn feel all year round.
These little bites are not just healthy; they’re also super easy to make. I love popping a few in my bag for a quick energy boost—totally guilt-free snacking! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give these balls a chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work too, just remember the texture will be softer.
Pumpkin Puree: Unsweetened pure pumpkin offers great flavor and moisture. If you can’t find it, you can use sweet potato puree as a delicious replacement.
Nut Butter: I love almond butter for its creaminess, but peanut butter or sun butter are excellent alternatives. Choose based on what you like or have available.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well here. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup or agave syrup. You can also use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Protein Powder: I use vanilla protein powder for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can try using a similar flavor, or just omit it if you prefer your balls without added protein.
How to Achieve the Right Consistency for Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls?
A key step to making these protein balls is getting the right consistency. If your mixture is too wet, the balls won’t hold together. If it’s too dry, they’ll crumble. Here’s how to fix it:
- After combining the ingredients, assess the texture. If it sticks to your hands too much, add more oats or protein powder by the tablespoon.
- If it feels dry and difficult to mix, add a little more pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s sticky enough to hold together.
- Roll a small test ball; if it forms well, you’re good to go! If not, adjust as needed.
Remember, these snacks should be slightly sticky but manageable for rolling! Enjoy your healthy treat! 🍂
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then around 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious protein balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and pinch of salt. Stir everything together with a spoon until it’s well mixed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Pour in the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until everything is combined and forms a sticky dough.
3. Adjust Consistency:
Check the mixture’s texture. If it feels a bit wet and sticky, you can add a little more oats or protein powder to help it hold together. If it seems too dry, try adding a splash of pumpkin puree or a bit more almond butter to make it tacky.
4. Roll Them Up:
Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls using your hands. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; the fun is in making them! Place the rolled balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill and Store:
Pop the plate of protein balls into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. Once they are set, you can enjoy one (or three)! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Now you have a tasty and healthy snack ready to go! Enjoy your nutritious pumpkin spice protein balls whenever you need a little energy pick-me-up! 🎃
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter is a delicious choice, you can easily substitute it with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Just pick your favorite!
Can I Add Extra Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add in ingredients like mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that this may affect the nutritional values.
How Do I Store These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet snack, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey. Alternatively, you can add a natural sweetener like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
