No Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls (Print version)
Spiced pumpkin protein balls with oats, nut butter, and maple syrup. A quick, healthy snack for autumn.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 throughout the oat mixture.
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 equal-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.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They taste like fall decided to become a portable snack
- The texture is somehow fudgy and satisfyingly chewy at the same time
02 -
- If the dough is too sticky to roll, add more oats or protein powder a tablespoon at a time
- Too dry? Add another teaspoon of pumpkin or a tiny drizzle of nut butter
03 -
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls that look professionally made
- Let the dough sit for 5 minutes before rolling—it makes everything less sticky