These pumpkin protein balls mix cozy spices with healthful components for the proper fall-inspired power chunk. Prepared in quarter-hour with no baking required!
The opposite day, I had some leftover pumpkin puree from making my well-known pumpkin bars for a fall celebration. I used to be recent out of my oatmeal protein bars, so I made a decision to make a fall spin. What began as an experiment has was my favourite new wholesome snack recipe!
These pumpkin protein bars are simple to make and style superbly pumpkin spiced. Even higher, they’ve received 5 grams of protein per ball, which is first rate for a small chunk. They’re an ideal fall appetizer or snack and take solely quarter-hour to make!
5 star reader evaluate
“I simply made these protein balls. Preliminary evaluate, YUM! These are very simple to make and a good way to make use of up a few of your leftover canned pumpkin.” -Tanvee
Why these pumpkin protein balls work
I’ve examined dozens of power bars and power ball recipes through the years, particularly after I made a decision to cease shopping for store-bought. This fall spin on power balls is the proper steadiness for me: stuffed with wholesome components and engaging sufficient to fulfill my snack craving.
The key? It’s all about steadiness. The Medjool dates present pure sweetness and act as a binding agent, whereas the pumpkin puree provides moisture with out making them soggy. They arrive collectively tremendous shortly within the meals processor, they usually’re simple so as to add to lunch packing containers all week lengthy.
Important components
Each ingredient in these protein balls serves a objective past simply taste:
Almond flour: Almond flour provides protein and wholesome fat whereas retaining these naturally gluten-free. The superb texture helps all the things bind collectively with none grittiness. For those who like making almond flour pancakes, you most likely have already got some available.
Medjool dates: I all the time use Medjool dates: don’t use Deglet Noor dates! They’re bigger, softer, and sweeter, which suggests you want much less added sweetener. Search for ones that really feel plump and barely sticky.
Pumpkin puree: 1 / 4 cup may appear to be a small quantity, nevertheless it’s simply sufficient so as to add moisture and that refined pumpkin taste with out including bitterness.
Protein Powder: Whereas non-compulsory, I like to recommend including it: it provides simply the precise sweetness to this recipe.
Professional ideas for pumpkin protein balls
Making these couldn’t be easier, however a number of approach ideas guarantee perfection:
- Prep your dates correctly: Be certain that to take away all pits! It sounds foolish, however I nearly ruined my meals processor as soon as by lacking a pit.
- Course of in phases: First, mix the components with out oats. Then add the oats: it provides a pleasant look to those protein balls.
- Take a look at the feel: The dough ought to stick collectively when squeezed. Too dry? Add water by the teaspoon.
- Squeeze, then roll: Use about 2 tablespoons of combination per ball. Squeeze it in your palm first to compress, then roll between your fingers (this prevents it from breaking up!).
Serving ideas
Whereas these pumpkin protein balls are excellent on their very own, listed here are my favourite methods to take pleasure in them:
- Morning companion: Two balls together with your morning espresso drink is a protein-packed snack
- Lunchbox addition: Pack in your lunch: or for teenagers!
- Pre-workout gas: Eat half-hour earlier than train for sustained power
- Afternoon snack: So a lot better than a number of afternoon treats you may crave
- Dessert: Serve after dinner once you need one thing candy however gentle (my children really love these)
- Social gathering platter: Organize on a fall dessert board with simple stuffed dates and apple dip or pumpkin dip
Storage and make-ahead ideas
Retailer these pumpkin protein balls in an hermetic container for as much as 5 days. I favor this for softer texture. Or, they’ll last as long as 10 days within the fridge. They agency up significantly when chilly, so allow them to sit at room temperature earlier than serving.
I’ve not tried them frozen, however they need to additionally work frozen for as much as 3 months.
Dietary notes
These pumpkin protein balls are vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Pumpkin Protein Balls
These pumpkin protein balls mix cozy spices with healthful components for the proper fall-inspired power chunk. Prepared in quarter-hour with no baking required!
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons floor cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup Previous Usual rolled oats
- ¼ cup plain or vanilla protein powder (non-compulsory however really useful)
- In a big meals processor, mix the almond flour, peanuts, dates, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix till absolutely mixed.
- Add the oats and protein powder and mix once more for a number of seconds till it comes right into a dough with no seen date chunks that sticks collectively once you squeeze it. (For those who favor not utilizing protein powder, style and add a bit extra maple syrup to regulate the sweetness degree. If the dough may be very dry, add water by the teaspoon and mix till the dough comes collectively.)
- Take away 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, squeeze it collectively, and roll it right into a ball. Retailer at room temperature for five days or refrigerated as much as 10 days.
Extra power ball and bar recipes
Listed here are a number of extra protein bar and power ball recipes you’ll love:
