No Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls (Printable)

Spiced pumpkin oat energy bites with protein, ready in 15 minutes. Perfect healthy snack for fall.

# 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 throughout the mixture.
03 - Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Distribute evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor in each ball.
04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into 12 evenly sized balls. Apply 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. This step is essential for proper texture and easy handling.
06 - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen balls before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all those cozy fall spices without heating up your oven or spending hours in the kitchen
  • They're perfectly portioned and actually keep you full between meals thanks to the protein and healthy fats
02 -
  • If your dough feels too sticky to roll, let it chill in the fridge for 15 minutes first, or add a tablespoon more oats until it's workable
  • The texture will seem too wet initially, but the chia seeds and oats absorb moisture as they rest, so trust the process and don't keep adding dry ingredients
03 -
  • Line your tray with parchment before you start rolling to save yourself from sticky hands and messy counters
  • Use a cookie scoop with a quick-release mechanism for perfectly uniform balls that look professional and cook evenly

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