These Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty snack packed with goodness! They’re made with oats, pumpkin puree, and a boost of protein, making them both healthy and filling.
Honestly, I love having these balls on hand. They make a great pick-me-up during the day, and they taste like little bites of fall! Plus, they take no time to whip up—just mix and roll!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of our protein balls. They provide fiber and help hold everything together. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super handy, but you can also use fresh pumpkin. Just bake or steam it, then mash until smooth. This adds moisture and flavor!
Nut Butter: I love almond butter for its rich flavor, but peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter work well too. Sunflower seed butter is great for nut-free options.
Protein Powder: I prefer vanilla for a sweet taste, but unflavored works if you want to keep it simple. You can skip it altogether for a lower-protein version!
Sweeteners: Maple syrup gives a lovely flavor, but honey or agave syrup are good alternatives if you prefer them. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
How Do You Make the Perfect Consistency?
Getting the right texture for these protein balls is key. The mixture should be sticky yet firm enough to shape into balls. If it’s too wet, add more oats or protein powder—just a bit at a time. If it’s too dry, a teaspoon of water or more pumpkin puree can help loosen things up.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined. Use your hands for the best results!
- Form into roughly 1-inch balls. Use a cookie scoop if you like things uniform.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This really helps them set and makes for easier snacking later!
How to Make Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/3 cup nut butter (e.g., almond or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for extra nutrition)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy snack to prepare, and once you’re done, you can store them for a week or even freeze them for later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, pinch of salt, pumpkin seeds, and raisins (or chopped dates). Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
2. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Add the pumpkin puree, nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be sticky but hold its shape well.
3. Adjust the Consistency:
If the mixture feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more oats or protein powder. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more pumpkin puree until it feels just right!
4. Roll Into Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). This can be a fun part, so feel free to get the kids involved!
5. Chill Them Out:
Place your formed balls on a plate or tray and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up nicely.
6. Store for Later:
Once they’re chilled, you can enjoy your protein balls right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!
Enjoy these delicious, healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Protein Balls as a quick snack, a post-workout bite, or a sweet treat anytime! They’re packed with nutrition and taste like a little piece of fall!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats! However, rolled oats give a heartier texture. If you opt for quick oats, the final product may be a bit softer but still delicious!
Can I Substitute the Nut Butter?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini. These alternatives will still hold everything together nicely!
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container for easy access!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! You can customize your protein balls by adding ingredients like dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or different nuts and seeds. Just be mindful of the total volume so they hold together well!
