These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! Packed with pumpkin and chocolate chips, they give you a satisfying boost of energy.
Making them is super easy—just mix, roll, and enjoy! I love grabbing a few for a quick treat during the day. Plus, who can resist that yummy pumpkin flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide structure and nutrients. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats work too, but avoid instant oats as they can get mushy.
Pumpkin Puree: This is key for flavor and moisture. If pumpkin isn’t available, you can use mashed sweet potatoes instead, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Nut Butter: I prefer peanut butter for its taste, but almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives if you want something milder or are avoiding peanuts.
Sweetener: Honey adds sweetness and helps bind the mixture. Maple syrup is a nice vegan option. You can use agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia if you’re watching sugar intake.
Protein Powder: Vanilla flavor works best here, but if you’re using chocolate protein powder, reduce the amount of cocoa powder, or it may overpower the pumpkin flavor.
Chocolate Chips: I use mini dark chocolate chips for a bit of sweetness without too much richness. You can swap these for raisins or dried cranberries for a fruitier twist.
How Do You Make the Perfect Protein Balls Without Them Crumbling?
The key to keeping your protein balls together is getting the right texture. Here are some tips:
- Ensure you mix thoroughly. The wet ingredients should coat the dry ones well, helping everything stick together.
- Shape the balls firmly. Don’t be afraid to apply pressure when rolling them.
Chilling them in the fridge after shaping will firm them up even more, making them easier to handle later on. Enjoy your delicious snacks without worry!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll have delicious protein balls ready in just 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, start by combining the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Use a spoon to stir them together until they are well blended.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the pumpkin puree, peanut butter (or almond butter), and honey (or maple syrup) into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky mixture that is well combined.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the mini dark chocolate chips into your mixture. If you want, you can save some of the chocolate chips to press on top of the protein balls later for a nicer look!
4. Shape the Protein Balls
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter) and roll them into balls. If you saved chocolate chips, press a few onto the surface of each ball to make them look extra tempting!
5. Chill the Balls
Place the protein balls on a lined baking sheet or plate. Put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to eat!
6. Store and Enjoy
After chilling, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy these tasty, healthy snacks any time for a quick energy boost!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe. Instant oats may get mushy and won’t provide the desired texture. If you only have instant oats, reduce the amount slightly and monitor the moisture in the mixture.
How Do I Make These Vegan?
To make these protein balls vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and choose a plant-based protein powder. Almond butter is a great choice for the nut butter, too!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add ingredients like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that if you add too many extras, you might need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Store your protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate them in layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
