No Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls (Printable)
Protein-rich pumpkin oat bites with warm spices and maple sweetness
# What you'll need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
08 - 1/3 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
09 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Optional Mix-ins
11 - 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
# How to make it:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and seeds.
02 - Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir vigorously until a thick, cohesive dough forms and all dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
03 - Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 12 evenly sized balls, applying gentle pressure to ensure they hold their shape.
05 - Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving or storing.
06 - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator before eating.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all those cozy fall flavors in something that actually fuels your body between meetings or workouts
- The dough comes together in one bowl and you can eat it immediately while waiting for them to firm up
02 -
- If your dough is too sticky to roll let it chill for 15 minutes first because cold dough is much easier to work with
- Different protein powders absorb moisture differently so be ready to adjust with more oats or pumpkin as needed
03 -
- Use freshly opened pumpkin puree for the best flavor since cans can taste slightly metallic after sitting too long
- Wet your hands slightly with water before rolling to prevent the dough from sticking to your palms