Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake)

These healthy pumpkin protein balls are the perfect fall snack to enjoy in under 15 minutes. Made with oats, pumpkin puree, protein powder, and maple syrup, these no-bake energy bites are so easy to make and taste like pumpkin pie! They're vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free with no peanut butter.

When it comes to busy weekdays, protein balls are a lifesaver for anyone looking for a quick and easy snack or breakfast on the go. With no peanut butter, these bites are nut-free, making them a great option for kids' school lunches! The pumpkin pie spice and mini chocolate chips make them so flavorful and delicious.

If you love this recipe, you have to try these 3-ingredient peanut butter oat balls! For the perfect fall breakfast, pair these bites with this healthy pumpkin spice latte.

Why You'll Love These Protein Balls

• Quick and easy - With only 6 ingredients and no mixer, these protein balls come together in just 5 minutes. Super easy and ready to enjoy in no time!
• Healthy - These bites are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and low in sugar because they are sweetened naturally with maple syrup.
• No bake - Kids can help make these oat balls. No baking is necessary!
• No peanut butter - Unlike many other recipes, these oatmeal balls are a great nut-free option without peanut butter.
• Low calorie - Each pumpkin protein ball is just 48 calories!
• Chocolate chips - Mini chocolate chips pair perfectly with the pumpkin spice flavor and make this recipe even more delicious.

Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple, healthy ingredients to make these protein balls. Here are helpful notes about the ingredients. Remember to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredient info and quantities.

• Oats - Rolled oats work best, but quick oats can work okay in a pinch!
• Protein Powder - I recommend vanilla protein powder, and make sure you like the taste. Using plant-based protein makes these balls vegan. Orgain and Vega are some of my favorite vegan protein powder options!
• Pure Pumpkin Puree - Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, or the protein balls will be way too sweet.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - This gives the bites such a delicious pumpkin flavor. You can use cinnamon or nutmeg for an even more spicy flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup -  Make sure to use pure maple syrup, not artificial pancake syrup. This keeps the energy balls healthy and great tasting.
• Mini Chocolate Chips - While optional, I recommend mixing in some vegan mini chocolate chips for even more flavor! Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is my choice, but milk chocolate works well, too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With just one bowl, you can mix up these oat balls in 5 minutes. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to make no-bake pumpkin protein balls:

STEP 1: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.

STEP 2: Add the pure pumpkin puree and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and incorporated. It will be sticky and thick.

STEP 3: Add the mini chocolate chips (if you choose to use them). Stir until the chocolate is evenly incorporated throughout the protein ball mixture.

STEP 4: Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to scoop out evenly sized oatmeal balls. Roll each ball between your hands for the smoothest shape. They will be sticky! Grease your hands to make this process easier.

STEP 5: Place the pumpkin balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. Because the bites are so sticky from the pumpkin and maple syrup, they need to chill to firm up a bit. They taste better cold, too!

Once the oat balls are done chilling, remove them from the fridge and they are ready to enjoy right away! Store the leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Choose good-tasting protein powder - The flavor of the protein powder shines through in this recipe since there are only a few ingredients. Make sure to choose a tasty protein powder that you enjoy. Vanilla is a great choice!
• Use a cookie scoop - While you can use your hands to form the protein balls, I highly recommend using a small cookie scoop, since the mixture will be sticky.
• Chill the protein balls - Because of the moisture from the pumpkin puree and maple syrup, the protein balls need to chill to firm up. They will be too sticky and soft without chilling, so don't skip this step.

Easy Oat Ball Variations

These energy bites taste amazing as-is, but here are some easy variations you can try:

• Without protein powder - You can replace the protein powder with an additional ½ cup of rolled oats, but the recipe will have less protein.
• With peanut butter - For pumpkin peanut butter balls, use 1 ½ cups oats and add 2-3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. If you use thick peanut butter, you might not need to add more oats.
• Pumpkin coconut balls - Adding ¼ cup shredded coconut gives these bites a delicious flavor twist!

Check out these no-bake edible cookie dough bites to really satisfy your sweet tooth!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing & Freezing

To keep leftover protein balls fresh throughout the week, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-7 days. They taste delicious chilled!

For storing even longer, you can freeze the energy bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Pull them out and allow them to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying them again. They are great for meal-prepping!