These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! They mix sweet chocolate chips with pumpkin and nut butter for a yummy treat that’s also good for you.
They’re perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying after a workout. Plus, they’re super easy to make—I whip up a batch in no time and then store them for emergencies. Can’t wait for you to try them! 🎃🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide a hearty base. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work well too. Just remember, steel-cut oats won’t mix as smoothly.
Pumpkin Puree: Always use plain pumpkin puree to keep it healthy. If you can’t find pumpkin, you can swap it with sweet potato puree for a similar texture and taste.
Nut Butter: I love natural peanut butter for its flavor, but almond butter or sun butter can be good alternatives if you’re avoiding nuts.
Sweetener: Honey adds a nice touch, but maple syrup is a fantastic vegan option. You can also reduce sweetness by using just a bit less than what’s called for.
Protein Powder: Use any protein powder you prefer—vanilla always pairs great, but chocolate can also work if you want a richer flavor!
How Can I Form Perfect Protein Balls?
Shaping your protein balls can be tricky. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Make sure the mixture is well combined and sticky enough to hold together. If it’s too crumbly, add a touch more nut butter or pumpkin.
- Use wet hands or a small cookie scoop—this prevents stickiness and makes forming balls easier.
- Leave them to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this helps them firm up, making them easier to handle.
These tips should help you create perfectly round and delicious protein balls every time! Enjoy your nutritious snack!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Time Needed:
Making these delicious protein balls will take about 10 minutes for preparation and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, for a total of about 40 minutes. Quick, simple, and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt. Stir all these ingredients together well so that everything is evenly mixed.
2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add in the pumpkin puree, your choice of peanut or almond butter, and the honey or maple syrup. Stir everything together until you have a sticky, well-combined dough. If you find that it’s too dry, just add a bit more pumpkin puree or honey. Conversely, if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a touch more oats or protein powder to thicken it up.
3. Incorporating the Chocolate Chips:
Next, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips so they’re evenly scattered throughout the mixture. This will give your protein balls that sweet chocolatey flavor!
4. Rolling the Mixture into Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into about 1-inch diameter balls. This is where you can get creative—make them as big or small as you like!
5. Chilling:
Once rolled, place the protein balls on a baking sheet or a plate lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling will help them firm up and makes them easier to eat.
6. Storing:
After they’ve chilled, transfer the food balls to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week—or pop them into the freezer if you want to save them for a longer time.
Enjoy these nutritious and delightful pumpkin protein bites as a quick snack or refueling after workouts! They’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something healthy and sweet!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, roast or steam pumpkin chunks until tender, then puree them until smooth. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your protein balls.
What Other Add-ins Can I Use?
Feel free to customize your protein balls! You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and nutrition. Just adjust the amounts of wet ingredients if the mixture gets too dry.
How Do I Store These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well—just pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months!
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup in place of honey and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. You can also choose almond butter or another nut-free alternative for additional flexibility.
