These no bake pumpkin protein balls are super easy to make in under 10 minutes. Made with 6 simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, oats, with protein powder and vanilla and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey. Vegan and gluten free!
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Energy bites are one of the easiest snacks to prep for busy weekdays ahead! Kids and hungry teens will love how these delicious bites taste just like a pumpkin pie recipe!
These pumpkin protein balls are great to throw into your teen's lunch or meal prep to take to work. Kids will love to have these yummy bites in their lunchbox!
If you love these pumpkin protein balls be sure to try energy balls with dates, gluten-free pumpkin bread, Starbucks pumpkin muffins, or homemade perfect bars!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Customizable: You can use pumpkin spice or cinnamon if you do not have it on hand. Can also be made gluten free by using gluten free rolled oats. Make without nuts by using seed butter.
- Healthy snack your entire family will love.
- Quick and easy to make in just about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Rolled oats: Substitute with steel cut oats, gluten free oatmeal or oat flour for a smoother texture.
- Almond butter: May substitute with cashew, peanut or sunbutter if you prefer.
- Puree: Be sure to pick up puree and not pie filling.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out about 24 small bites.
Roll the bites into smooth balls and freezer for 10 minutes to set.
Expert Tips
- To make these pumpkin protein balls with no peanut butter substitute almond butter, sunbutter, cashew butter or whichever your preference is.
- You can make these with no oats to make them low carb, however you may want to add in more protein powder if there is too much moisture.
- Mix-ins ideas: Add in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, toasted coconut flakes or your favorite seed.
Recipe FAQs
These energy bites are great for a quick snack or to pack for a lunch on the go. I also love to eat these for a healthy dessert.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
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Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats gluten free if desired
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup raw honey sub maple syrup for vegan
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.1 cup rolled oats, 2 scoops vanilla protein powder, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ cup almond butter, ⅓ cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup raw honey
- Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out approximately 24 small balls. Use your hands to roll and place on a plate. Freeze for 10 minutes.
Notes
- To make these pumpkin protein balls with no peanut butter substitute almond butter, sunbutter, cashew butter or whichever your preference is.
- You can make these with no oats to make them low carb, however you may want to add in more protein powder if there is too much moisture.
- Mix-ins ideas: Add in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, toasted coconut flakes or your favorite seed.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Trish
Can I use soaked dates instead of honey or syrup?
Lyndsey Piccolino
I haven't tried it but it sounds like it would work!
MarKie
Can you do this without the protein powder? I'm lactose intolerant but they sound so good
Lyndsey Piccolino
I use vegan protein powder!
Katie
Hi - I used a vegan protein powder (whey/dairy free) called No Cow!
Jill
How much protein powder is two scoops? Tablespoons/cups, etc....I have a different protein powder that I already have on hand and would like to try, but if the scoops are different sizes, I don't want them to come out too dry or too wet. Thank you!
Lyndsey Piccolino
I would try 1/4 cup and then adjust up if they are too wet. If you are using different ingredients maybe just start with a little and add as needed.
LornaRN
I love the sound of your recipe. I clicked on the vanilla protein powder you use as I need to buy some. I noticed the same company makes a pumpkin spice protein powder. Do you think that would be too much pumpkin spice if I use it in this recipe? I absolutely love pumpkin pie spice.
Thank you!
Lyndsey Piccolino
Hi Lorna, I haven't tried pumpkin spice protein powder in them. But if you do want to try it, you could always dial back the pumpkin pie spice. Let me know how it goes!
Valerie Robinson
Can you sub the honey? I can’t have honey.
Lyndsey Piccolino
Sure - maple syrup will work too.
Heather P
How much Sugar in one?
Lyndsey Piccolino
When I used an online calculator it said 3 grams per ball. But, this may be different depending on what type of protein powder you use and if it has sugar or not. Hope that helps!
Caro
This is the exact recipe I had in mind but, I was wondering if I could omit the nut butter, and what do you think I would have to add more of to balance the recipe or do you think it would work just fine without it? Thanks so much, lmk I'm excited to try this 🙂
Lyndsey
the nut butter is a pretty big component to keep them held together. I personally wouldn't substitute it for something else unless you have an allergy and then maybe try sun butter? Sorry I couldn't be of more help!
Michelle Bowen
Hi there!
How do you store these and for how long?
Lyndsey
I usually store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze them too - up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container!
Jessica Verly
I just made a batch and the batter was soft and not easy to ball.
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
the kind of protein you use definitely impacts it! I've found traditional whey powder to work the best. I used collagen powder and it was the same. Also - try less pumpkin if your pumpkin is runny.
Jessica sims
How many calories are in this and protein per ball? How many should one consume? 2 or 3
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
It really depends on your protein! Depending on what protein you use will determine how many calories are in each one. I would estimate servings to be 2 for a snack portion and calories to be around 140 per two balls. Protein will depend on which protein you select. Hope that helps!
Sarah
What is 1.5 Serving size protein powder? (In cups/tablespoons) thx
mommafitpgh@gmail.com
it depends on which protein powder you use. the one I use one serving is 2 scoops but some are just one. Check the label on your protein powder and then multiple by 1.5