Pumpkin Protein Balls

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5 from 211 votes
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These pumpkin protein balls need just 7 ingredients to make and taste like pumpkin pie! They make the best wholesome and healthy snack.

pumpkin protein balls.

With our slew of pumpkin recipes, snacks, and treats are our favorite.

While healthy baked goods like healthy pumpkin bread and healthy pumpkin muffins are great for dessert, these pumpkin energy balls are a favorite snack to enjoy when the hunger pangs strike!

They are a fun spin on my protein balls but with a pumpkin and seasonal twist. I love a couple as a post-workout snack or really when I need a little something before dinner. They have a soft and chewy texture that tastes like dessert!

Table of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make pumpkin protein balls
  4. Recipe tips and variations
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More delicious no bake snacks to try
  8. Pumpkin Protein Balls (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

  • It’s healthy! Packed with protein, wholesome carbs, and healthy fats, these make such a fun seasonal snack between meals. 
  • Ready in 5 minutes. All you do is mix, roll, and let them set- that is it!
  • Vegan and gluten-free. And while we are at it, they are also dairy-free! 
  • Perfect for meal prep. I love to make a big batch of these on the weekend and have snacks sorted for the week ahead. 

Ingredients needed

This recipe calls for wholesome and simple staples that come together to make these seriously delicious bite-sized snacks. Here is what you’ll need:

  • Oat flour. Also known as ground-up rolled oats or instant oats. If you want some texture to your protein balls, swap out half of it with instant oatmeal.
  • Coconut flour. A high fiber and low carb flour that works well for energy balls and bites because they absorb so much moisture which in turn, yields a soft and cakey texture. 
  • Protein powder. I like to use a vanilla protein powder because it has some extra sweetness in it, but unflavored protein works well, too. In terms of what kind of protein powder, I always recommend casein, brown rice, or pea protein powders. 
  • Pumpkin puree. A must for any pumpkin-flavored recipe. I used homemade pumpkin puree, which is naturally unsweetened, but the canned kind works just fine- just be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling. 
  • Pumpkin spice. A simple mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and other warming spices. Don’t have any on hand? Just use an equal mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. 
  • Almond butter. Smooth and creamy almond butter with no added sugar. You can swap this out for any nut butter or seed butter, including peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. 
  • Maple syrup. Adds sweetness but also binds everything together. Other liquid sweeteners like honey or agave nectar will work well. 
  • Mix-ins. Optional, but elevate these protein bites with some chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or seeds. 

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to make pumpkin protein balls

What I love about this recipe is just how simple it is to put together. Leftover canned pumpkin? This is your answer.

Step 1- Make the mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, and protein powder. Gently stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, almond butter, and maple syrup and mix until fully incorporated. 

Step 2- Roll into balls. Lightly wet your hands then roll out balls using the dough. Place them on a lined plate or tray. 

Step 3- Chill. Place the pumpkin protein bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. 

pumpkin energy balls.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Use a blender– If you are starting with oats in their whole state, you can just add everything into a blender and use that to combine everything. It’s quicker than using a mixing bowl and the mixture will be much smoother too. 
  • Omit the protein powder– Even without the protein powder, these pumpkin balls are still quite high in protein. If you don’t want to use it, just leave it out. 
  • Use a cookie scoop– Don’t want to dirty your hands? I sometimes use my 1-inch cookie scoop to shape the mixture into balls. 
  • Make pumpkin protein bars– Try my homemade pumpkin protein bar recipe for them or just shape this mixture into a loaf pan instead of rolling it into balls. 
  • Add chia seeds– Or ground flaxseed. They will give these energy bites a fiber boost and also a chewier texture. 

Storage instructions

Store. Place leftover pumpkin energy bites in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

Freeze. Place the protein balls in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Frequently asked questions

How much protein is in each ball?

Each pumpkin protein ball has approximately 8 grams of protein.

Can I make these sugar free?

Yes! Swap out the maple syrup for a sugar free syrup or sugar free honey.

More delicious no bake snacks to try

pumpkin protein balls recipe.

Pumpkin Protein Balls

5 from 211 votes
These pumpkin protein balls need just 7 ingredients to make and taste like pumpkin pie! They make the best wholesome and healthy snack.
Servings: 24 Servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, coconut flour, and protein powder. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
  • Line a large plate with parchment paper. Using your hands, form 18 small balls and place them on the plate.
  • Refrigerate the pumpkin protein balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Notes

To store. Place leftover pumpkin energy bites in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. 
To freeze. Place the protein balls in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 801IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 7g
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. I added 1 T organic chia seeds to my recipe also and I store them in the freezer to keep them longer since I can’t eat these up in a few days. I use them as a mid afternoon snack to satisfy my hunger until dinner. One does the job perfectly!

  2. 5 stars
    Made it yesterday. It is our new favorite. The guests went nuts for it at our party.We made a huge vat of it. We were asked who the caterer was who made it. I said “I did!” The complement goes to the creator of this post. Thank you for sharing.

  3. I’m allergic to coconut! Is there another flour you would recommend? I have almond, garbanzo, oat and a couple of AP gluten free flours.

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