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    Home » Recipes » Truffles and Bites

    Pumpkin Protein Balls

    Published: Sep 8, 2022 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Megan Weimer · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Pumpkin protein balls on parchment paper.
    A close up of pumpkin spice protein balls with a bite taken out of one to show texture.

    These healthy pumpkin protein balls are the best Fall protein-filled treat! They're made with good-for-you ingredients like real pumpkin puree, chia seeds, nut butter, collagen, and oats. They're easy to make and are a delicious pre or post workout snack.

    Pumpkin balls stacked on an upside down pie pan with parchment paper.

    Pumpkin season is here, so let's ring it in with some no bake pumpkin protein balls! These spiced energy bites are super tasty served with coffee in the morning and make a great on-the-go breakfast or high-protein snack. They taste like little balls of pumpkin pie cookie dough and are healthy too, with 5 grams of protein per serving.

    Protein balls are one of my all time favorite snacks. Also known as bliss balls, energy bites, or power balls, they're perfect for meal-prep and come together in under 30 minutes. They are gluten free and can easily be made vegan and dairy free with a few substitutions.

    If you're a pumpkin lover, try my pumpkin chai snack cake and almond flour pumpkin muffins. If you're craving more truffles and bites, try my boozy chocolate truffles and chocolate peppermint bliss balls.

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Watch How to Make This Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
    • Expert Tips
    • Additions and Variations
    • Make Ahead and Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Fall and Winter Recipes to Try
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Real pumpkin puree- This recipe uses real pumpkin puree instead of pre-made pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin with additives. Pumpkin puree is 100% real, steamed and pureed pumpkin.
    • Easy to make- The balls are no-bake and come together in 1 bowl in less than 30 minutes.
    • Take on the go- You can meal-prep and take the bites on the go all week. Pop one in your mouth before a workout or have them as an after school or midday snack.
    • Wholesome ingredients- Nut butter, whole rolled oats, and chia seeds provide healthy carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. Collagen is what makes this a protein-packed snack! They'll keep you fuller for longer and satisfy your sweet tooth.

    Watch How to Make This Recipe

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ingredients to make pumpkin protein balls on a white surface.

    Here are notes about some of the ingredients used. For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card below.

    • Whole rolled oats- Quick cooking oats can be used, but don't use steel cut oats. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
    • Cashew butter- I like creamy cashew butter for its mild taste. It holds the ingredients together but lets the pumpkin and warm spices stand out.
    • Pumpkin puree- Use pumpkin puree that doesn't have added ingredients, sweeteners, or artificial flavors. Do not use pumpkin pie filling or "canned pumpkin"! There's a huge difference. My favorite is the Whole Foods 365 Pumpkin Puree.
    • Pumpkin pie spice- This is a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. You can find pumpkin pie spice at most grocery stores or spice shops. If you don't have it, you can make your own spice blend.
    • Collagen- For the protein source, I used a scoop of collagen peptides. You can use plain or vanilla protein powder, or even plant-based protein to make the pumpkin balls vegan.
    • Chocolate chips- You can use any chocolate you like- milk, dark, or white! I personally prefer mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. If you don't like chocolate in your protein balls, you can totally leave these out and use pumpkin seeds or pecans instead.

    Substitutions

    • Cashew butter: Any creamy nut or seed butter can be used, like peanut butter, sunflower butter, or almond butter. Avoid nut butters with added sugar.
    • Maple syrup: Any thick liquid sweetener can be used instead, like honey or date syrup.
    • Chia seeds: These are optional, and hemp hearts can be substituted.

    How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls

    Here are the steps to make the protein balls. You'll need one large mixing bowl, whisk, rubber spatula, and an airtight container to store the bites in.

    Quick Overview

    1. Mix the dry ingredients.
    2. Mix in the wet ingredients.
    3. Fold in the chocolate chips and coconut.
    4. Roll into balls and chill.

    Step by Step Instructions

    STEP 1: Mix the dry ingredients and spices. First, add the oats, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, allspice (optional), and collagen to a large mixing bowl. Mix until the oats are coated with spices.

    Oats and chia seeds mixed together in a glass bowl.

    STEP 2: Add the wet ingredients. Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Then, stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. The batter will be thick, wet, and sticky.

    STEP 3: Fold in the chocolate chips and coconut. Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips, scraping around the sides of the bowl. This evenly distributes the chocolate chips so you get some in every bite.

    Oats, pumpkin, chia seeds, nut butter, and honey mixed together in a bowl.
    Dough to make pumpkin balls in a bowl.

    STEP 4: Roll into balls. Using your hands, roll about 1 tablespoon of batter between your palms into a bite-sized ball. The dough will be quite sticky!

    Use a measuring spoon or 2 ounce cookie dough scoop to be more accurate. I like to drop batter from a cookie scoop into my palm and roll each portion to even out the edges and make it round.

    Pumpkin protein balls on a silver tray lined with parchment.

    STEP 5: Chill. Set each protein ball on a plate or lined baking sheet after rolling. Once they've all been rolled, let them chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the ingredients solidify and stick together so the balls don't fall apart.

    After that, transfer them to a storage container and enjoy your snacks for the week!

    Expert Tips

    • If the mixture seems too dry before rolling the balls, add a little more honey or cashew butter.
    • If the mixture seems too wet, add more oats to absorb the liquid.
    • Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture if you don't want to use your hands.
    • If the dough is a little too sticky and messy, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes before rolling into balls.
    A stack of protein bites on parchment paper.

    Additions and Variations

    There are lots of different mix ins you can add to the balls. I recommend only adding a few, but here are some of my favorite ideas.

    • Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts.
    • Seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
    • More spices, like turmeric, anise, and cardamom.
    • Different baking chips, like peanut butter or butterscotch.

    Make Ahead and Storage

    You can easily make these ahead of time! Just follow the storage instructions after chilling.

    • Refrigerator- Store the bites in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 5 days. Don't store them on the counter.
    • Freezer- Freeze the balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Before enjoying, let them thaw in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or eat them frozen!
    A stack of protein balls on parchment paper. One has a bite taken out of it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of protein powder is best to use?

    I prefer unflavored collagen peptides. You could also use unflavored or vanilla protein powder, pea protein, whey protein, or even bone broth powder.

    Why is my dough crumbly?

    You probably didn't add enough nut butter. Add a little more and problem solved. If your dough is too wet, add some more oats.

    When should I eat these?

    You can eat them any time! Enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, for dessert, or as a nourishing midnight treat. They are also a great boost of protein before or after a workout to help your muscles recover and replenish energy.

    A stack of protein bites.

    More Fall and Winter Recipes to Try

    • Chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies
    • Vanilla Pear Bread
    • Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins
    • Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

    PS: if you try this recipe, please leave a star rating below! Also be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest to catch all the new and tasty recipes at Meg and Matcha.

    📖 Recipe

    Pumpkin protein balls stacked on top of each other.

    Pumpkin Protein Balls

    Megan Weimer
    These healthy pumpkin protein balls are the best Fall protein-packed treat! They're made with good-for-you ingredients like real pumpkin puree, chia seeds, nut butter, collagen, and oats. They're easy to make and are a delicious pre or post workout snack. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Chill Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20 balls
    Calories 182 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large mixing bowl
    • 1 whisk
    • 1 rubber spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ⅔ cup whole rolled oats
    • ¼ cup chia seeds
    • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ¼ teaspoon allspice optional
    • 1 scoop collagen peptides or protein powder
    • 1 cup cashew butter
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • ½ cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup shredded coconut
    • ⅓ cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark

    Instructions
     

    • First, add the oats, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, allspice, and collagen to a large mixing bowl. Mix until the oats are coated with spices.
      1 ⅔ cup whole rolled oats, ¼ cup chia seeds, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, ¼ teaspoon allspice, 1 scoop collagen peptides
    • Add the cashew butter, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and vanilla to the bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. The batter will be thick, wet, and sticky.
      1 cup cashew butter, ½ cup maple syrup, ½ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips, scraping around the sides of the bowl.
      ¼ cup shredded coconut, ⅓ cup chocolate chips
    • Using your hands, roll about 1 tablespoon of batter into a bite-sized ball between your palms. The dough will be super sticky! Set each protein ball on a plate or lined baking sheet after rolling. 
    • Chill the protein balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so they solidify and don't fall apart. Then transfer them to an airtight storage container and enjoy.

    Notes

    If the mixture seems too dry before rolling the balls, add a little more honey or nut butter. If the mixture seems too wet, add more oats to absorb the liquid. It should be sticky.
    Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough if you don't want to use your hands.
    If the dough is a too sticky and messy, refrigerate for 5-10 minutes before rolling into balls.
    Storage: Store the protein balls in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 5 days. Don't store them on the counter. You can freeze the balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Before enjoying, let them thaw in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or eat them frozen!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ballCalories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 19.7gProtein: 5gFat: 9.9gSaturated Fat: 2.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.9gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 219.4mgFiber: 3.7gSugar: 7.6gVitamin A: 47.7IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 62.5mgIron: 1.6mg
    Keyword energy bites, protein balls, pumpkin, pumpkin spice
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Truffles and Bites

    • Boozy Chocolate Truffles
    • Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Balls Recipe

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    Hi there, I'm Megan!

    Welcome to Meg and Matcha! Here you will find recipes for desserts, drinks, and sweet snacks that are easy to prepare and delicious with a healthy twist. There's gluten free, vegan, and paleo options abound!

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