Pumpkin Protein Balls

Name: Pumpkin Protein Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491244H35M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond butter; ⅓ cup canned pumpkin; ½ cup honey; ½ cup vanilla protein powder; 1 ½ cups rolled oats; ½ cup mini chocolate chips; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Published: December 9, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a nutritious snack ready in no time.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from almond butter and protein powder, these balls provide energy for your day.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and chocolate chips creates a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a busy weekday, these snacks will impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Pumpkin Protein Balls efficiently, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Cookie scoop (or tablespoon)
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of your bowl to ensure even mixing.
Cookie scoop: This tool helps portion out uniform balls, making them look professional and ensuring consistent size.

Ingredients

These no bake pumpkin protein balls are a delicious fall inspired snack!

Base Ingredients

1 cup no salt added creamy drippy almond butter (see notes)
⅓ cup canned pumpkin
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup honey

Protein & Fiber Boosters

½ cup vanilla protein powder
1 ½ cups rolled oats
salt (to taste)

Flavor Enhancers

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ cup mini chocolate chips

How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add the almond butter, pumpkin, cinnamon, honey, vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to a bowl. Stir well to combine using a rubber spatula until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Form Balls

Use a cookie scoop or drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin batter onto a baking sheet. You should get around 26 protein balls from this batch.

Step 4: Chill

Chill the pumpkin protein balls in the fridge until they are firm to the touch. Once set, store them in a Ziploc bag in either the fridge or freezer for future snacking.

How to Serve Pumpkin Protein Balls

Pumpkin protein balls make for a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you need a quick energy boost or a sweet treat, these pumpkin protein balls fit the bill. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your snacking experience.

As a Quick Snack

Enjoy them straight from the fridge for a convenient and nutritious bite.

With Nut Butter

Dip or spread almond butter or peanut butter on top for added creaminess and flavor.

On a Yogurt Parfait

Crumble pumpkin protein balls over Greek yogurt along with some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

In Lunch Boxes

Pack them in lunch boxes as an easy grab-and-go option for kids or adults alike.

As Pre-Workout Fuel

Consume one or two before heading to the gym for an energy kick that lasts throughout your workout.

With Coffee or Tea

Pair these protein balls with your favorite hot beverage for a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Protein Balls

To make your pumpkin protein balls even better, consider these simple tips. They ensure that every batch is delicious and satisfying.

Use creamy almond butter: A smooth, drippy almond butter blends better and creates a delightful texture.
Chill before serving: Allowing the balls to chill in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to handle.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before forming the balls; add more honey if you prefer a sweeter treat.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
Try different mix-ins: Consider adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize your pumpkin protein balls according to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Protein Balls

While pumpkin protein balls are great on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your snack time. Here are some tasty options:

Fresh Fruit: Pair with apple slices or banana halves for added sweetness and fiber.
Veggie Sticks: Serve alongside carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a crunchy contrast.
Trail Mix: Combine with your favorite trail mix for an energy-packed snack that includes nuts and dried fruit.
Cheese Cubes: Add some cheese cubes for a savory element that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin protein balls.
Rice Cakes: Top rice cakes with nut butter and sliced bananas for an additional layer of flavor.
Smoothie: Enjoy a green smoothie alongside your protein balls for a refreshing drink that complements the flavors.
Granola Bars: Pair with homemade granola bars for additional crunch and nourishment.
Oatmeal: Serve as part of warm oatmeal topped with cinnamon and nuts for a cozy breakfast option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin protein balls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

Using the wrong nut butter: Different nut butters have different consistencies. Stick to creamy almond butter for the best texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling helps the protein balls firm up. Don’t skip this step or your balls may fall apart.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture instead of a soft bite.
Ignoring optional add-ins: Feel free to customize your pumpkin protein balls with seeds, dried fruits, or other mix-ins for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy within 1 week for optimal freshness.

Freezing Pumpkin Protein Balls

Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Protein Balls

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per ball for a quick snack.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Protein Balls?

Pumpkin protein balls are no-bake snacks made with pumpkin puree, almond butter, oats, and protein powder. They are nutritious and delicious!

How many calories are in Pumpkin Protein Balls?

Each pumpkin protein ball contains approximately 123 calories, making them a healthy snack option.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Protein Balls?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, seeds, or even swap out chocolate chips for dried fruit to suit your taste.

How long do Pumpkin Protein Balls last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, pumpkin protein balls will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin protein balls are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a snack or breakfast option, they can be customized with various add-ins based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!

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