These Almond Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty treat packed with nutrients! They combine the rich flavors of almond butter and pumpkin, making them perfect for a quick snack.
Making these is super simple! I love grabbing a few before heading out the door or enjoying them during movie night. Who says healthy snacks can’t be fun? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats give great texture to these protein balls. If you need a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats. Steel-cut oats are a bit too coarse, so stick to rolled oats for the best results.
Almond Butter: Natural and unsweetened almond butter creates a creamy base. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter work as great alternatives.
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned or fresh pumpkin puree. I usually prefer canned for convenience, but if you have fresh pumpkin, roasting and pureeing it can give a deeper flavor.
Sweeteners: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re vegan, maple syrup is a perfect swap. You could even use agave syrup if that’s on hand.
Vanilla Protein Powder: While vanilla is my go-to for flavor, feel free to substitute with chocolate protein powder if that suits your taste better. Just keep in mind the overall flavor might change a bit.
How Do You Make Sure Your Protein Balls Hold Together?
A common challenge with protein balls is getting the right consistency. Make sure to thoroughly mix your ingredients until they all blend together well. If your mixture seems too wet or too dry, here’s how to adjust:
- If too wet, simply add a few more oats to absorb the moisture.
- If too dry, moisten it with a bit more pumpkin puree or almond butter until it comes together.
- Using your hands for mixing works best because you can feel the texture and gauge how sticky it is.
Chilling the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to eat and store!
Delicious Almond Butter Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Flavoring:
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 25-30g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of ground nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: sliced almonds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick to prepare, with about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes for chilling. In less than an hour, you’ll have tasty, nutritious snacks ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed evenly.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, stir in the almond butter, pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients come together into a sticky dough.
3. Adjust Consistency:
If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more oats. If it’s too dry, mix in a bit more pumpkin puree or almond butter until you have a good, manageable dough to work with!
4. Form the Balls:
Scoop out about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball between your hands. Place each ball on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
5. Add Toppings (Optional):
If you’d like, press a few sliced almonds on top of each ball for a little added crunch and decoration.
6. Chill and Store:
Once all the balls are rolled, put them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to enjoy later. You can store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
7. Enjoy!
These no-bake protein balls are perfect for a quick snack or as an energy boost before or after workouts. As a bonus, they’re versatile—you can mix in chocolate chips, chia seeds, or even dried fruit if you want a little variation. Enjoy your delicious and healthy treat!
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies. Each will give a unique twist to the protein balls!
How Do I Make These Gluten-Free?
Using certified gluten-free rolled oats will ensure that the recipe is gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons!
Can I Sweeten Them Less?
Sure! If you’re looking to cut back on sweetness, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup by half or substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
