These Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! Made with oatmeal, pumpkin puree, and your favorite protein, they’re soft and perfect for any time of the day.
They are so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch every week! I love grabbing a couple for a quick breakfast or an afternoon boost. Yum! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: These are fantastic for texture! If you don’t have rolled oats, instant oats can work but may create a softer ball. Steel-cut oats are too coarse and won’t stick together.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient and consistent in flavor. Fresh pumpkin is great too, just cook and blend it. For a different twist, sweet potato puree is a tasty substitute!
Nut Butter: Natural peanut butter gives a nice flavor, but almond butter is a great alternative if you have nut allergies. Sunflower seed butter is also yummy for nut-free options.
Sweetener: Honey adds sweetness and natural flavor, but maple syrup makes it vegan! Adjust based on your taste preference—honey is sweeter than maple syrup, so you might use more if you go that route.
Protein Powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder for added flavor, but feel free to use unflavored or any protein you enjoy. Just know that flavors can vary more than you think, so adjust sweetness if needed.
How Do You Make the Perfect Protein Ball Mix?
Getting the right texture for protein balls is key! You want them to hold together without being too dry or too sticky. Here are a few pointers:
- Start with the dry ingredients (oats, protein powder, spices, and salt). This helps evenly distribute everything.
- Mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin, nut butter, sweetener, and vanilla) separately until smooth for better incorporation.
- When combining, the mix should be sticky. If it’s too wet, add a touch more oats—too dry? A little splash of milk or extra pumpkin will help.
- Chill them! Refrigerating the balls helps them firm up, making them easier to eat and holding their shape better.
Remember to adjust based on your preferences or what you have at home, and enjoy this wholesome snack!
Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp ginger)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. In total, you will need about 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious protein balls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Use a spoon or whisk to stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This helps distribute the flavors nicely!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter or almond butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for making sure you get that yummy pumpkin flavor in each bite.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet mixtures! Pour the smooth wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. The mixture will be sticky but should hold together well. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats, or if it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of milk or a bit more pumpkin puree.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’d like some sweetness or a little extra crunch, fold in the mini chocolate chips or raisins. This step is about making these protein balls perfect for your taste!
5. Roll Into Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet or plate. Don’t worry if they aren’t all perfectly round—this is homemade goodness!
6. Chill the Protein Balls:
Refrigerate the rolled protein balls for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps them firm up so they’re easier to eat. Plus, it allows the flavors to meld together nicely!
7. Store and Enjoy:
Once chilled, transfer the oatmeal pumpkin protein balls to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy them as a quick snack or a hearty breakfast on the go!
These delicious, nutrient-packed pumpkin protein balls are perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping you energized!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can! Quick oats will create a softer texture in the protein balls, but they’ll still hold together well. Just avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t blend as nicely.
What Can I Use Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with sweet potato puree or even mashed banana for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the moisture content, as this can impact the texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months! Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding different spices like nutmeg or swapping out the add-ins like chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruit. Adjust sweetness to your liking, too!
