Looking for a healthy, satisfying snack that has some great fall favors? These pumpkin protein balls are your answer! These almond butter protein balls are made without any refined sugar, just simple ingredients. A great way to enjoy chocolate chip protein balls with a fun fall twist.
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Are you looking for a way to enjoy a yummy snack, but also hit your protein and fiber goals? A batch of these pumpkin protein bites would be a great way to check those boxes.
Made with simple ingredients, and no refined sugar, flour or oils, these protein bites taste amazing. Made with oats, almond butter, pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, these protein bites are a great way to stock your freezer with a smart snack to keep you on-track, satisfied and hitting your nutrition goals.
What do I need to make protein balls?
- Oatmeal – I use old fashioned rolled oats for most of my protein bite and ball recipes. You could also use instant oats. I would not recommend steel cut oats, as they are too firm.
- Almond Butter – almond butter has a great mild flavor for these bites. You could also use cashew butter or a mixed seed butter.
- Pumpkin puree – this is a simple canned pumpkin puree which is found in the baking aisle next to the pie fillings.
- Vanilla protein powder – there are numerous protein powders on the market, find one that best fits your budget and dietary needs. I like Orgain Vanilla Protein Powder.
- Honey – this has a couple of uses in this recipe; it helps the dough stick together and hold its shape when rolled into balls. It also sweetens the dough. You could also use maple syrup.
- Sugar-free Chocolate Chips – I like Lily’s no sugar added chocolate chips. I use a semi-sweet chip, but you could also use milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips in this recipe.
- Vanilla extract – use to help enhance the flavor of the protein bites.
- Pumpkin pie spice – a wonderful warm spice mixture that adds a great fall flavor and pairs well with the pumpkin.
- Cinnamon – adds just a bit of extra warm spice to the flavor of the bites.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
How do I make pumpkin protein bites?
Begin by adding all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl; add the oatmeal, almond butter, pumpkin, protein powder, honey, vanilla, chocolate chips, and spices. Mix all together well with a rubber scraper, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
The dough will be very thick in texture. Using a cookie scoop, begin scooping and rolling the balls.
If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you’ll want a ball about 1 1/4″ in diameter. Roll the balls with your hands to create a smooth ball shape.
Place the protein balls on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or sheet pan. Place in the freezer for 1 hour to help the balls solidify and retain their shape.
What is the best way to store homemade protein balls?
The best way to store protein bites is in the freezer in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. The balls will keep for up to 3 months when frozen.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:
- Chocolate chips – instead of a semi-sweet chocolate chip, you could also use white chocolate, or use raisins or dried cranberries.
- Almond Butter – you could swap out the almond butter for cashew butter, sun butter or even pecan butter.
- Other mix-in’s: for additional fiber mix in some chia seeds, flax seed or chopped nuts.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
Frequently asked questions about making and storing protein bites:
Before placing your protein balls in the freezer, place on a cookie sheet (without touching) and freeze as individual balls. Once completely frozen, place in a freezer bag or container. They won’t stick together as frozen, individual balls.
Homemade protein balls can be stored in the refrigerator. Store the bites in a meal prep container or any other resealable container. Kept refrigerated, the protein balls will keep for up to 14 days.
Depending on the ingredients used and the size of the ball, a protein ball will have 100-125 calories per ball. For this protein ball recipe, each ball has 85 calories per ball.
Need more make ahead healthy snack options?
These are some of our most popular snack recipes:
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake
- Chocolate Protein Pudding
- Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Muffins
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Protein Peanut Butter Cups by Randa Nutrition
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Balls with Almond Butter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups old fashioned rolled oats or instant oats
- ½ cup almond butter creamy
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk or white chocolate
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl add all of the ingredients; oats, almond butter, pumpkin, honey, protein powder, chocolate chips, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt. Using a rubber scraper mix together. Ingredients should be well incorporated. The dough will be thick.
- Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out the dough and roll between your hands. This should render a 1¼" ball. Place the formed balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper.
- When all balls are formed and on the cookie sheet, place the sheet of bites into the freezer for 1 hour. Freezing the balls will help them keep and hold their shape.
- Enjoy the protein balls right away or store in a freezer bag or container in the freezer. The protein balls will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
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