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    Home » Fall

    Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake)

    Published: Apr 12, 2023 by Samantha Ensinger · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    a small glass bowl full of healthy pumpkin protein balls with chocolate chips.

    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.

    a small clear bowl full of healthy pumpkin protein balls with chocolate chips in each ball.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Protein Balls
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Recipe Tips
    • Easy Oat Ball Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing & Freezing
    • More Easy No-Bake Recipes
    • Recipe

    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.
    close-up macro photo of a stack of pumpkin protein balls, showing the oat texture and mini chocolate chips inside.

    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.

    all ingredients to make the recipe prepared in bowls and measuring cups, shown from above on a marble surface.
    • 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:

    a mixing bowl shown from above with oats and protein powder combined.

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

    the mixing bowl with oats shown from above with pumpkin puree and maple syrup added.

    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.

    the pumpkin oatmeal mixture with mini chocolate chips in the bowl, ready to be combined.

    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.

    the bowl of the protein ball mixture next to a tray with round oatmeal balls on it, before chilling. A cookie scoop is in the bowl.

    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.

    close-up of multiple pumpkin pie protein balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.

    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!

    overhead shot of many oatmeal protein balls on a wire tray, with oats and chocolate chips around the scene.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is healthy about protein balls?

    Protein balls are a great healthy snack option. They're made with healthy ingredients like oats, protein powder, pumpkin, and maple syrup, which provide a great mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They keep you full and energized while being lower in sugar compared to other snacks!

    What is the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie mix?

    Canned pumpkin is made solely of pureed pumpkin, with nothing else added. Pumpkin pie mix is a pre-made filling that has a lot of added sugars and flavors, which we don't want in these healthy protein balls. Use canned pure pumpkin!

    Do protein balls have a lot of calories?

    Generally, protein balls tend to be relatively low in calories since they are bite-sized snacks. These pumpkin protein balls are low-calorie, with just 48 calories per ball. The exact calories will depend on what protein powder you use.

    Why are my protein balls not sticking together?

    If the protein balls are not sticking together in a round ball shape, they are too dry, and you need to add additional pumpkin or maple syrup. Alternatively, if the bites are too wet and sticky, add some more oats or protein powder.

    a woman's hand holding a protein ball with a bite missing, showing the chocolate inside.

    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!

    More Easy No-Bake Recipes

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      Edible No Bake Cookie Dough Bites
    • pumpkin spice latte with cinnamon whipped cream
      Pumpkin Spiced Iced Latte
    • edible brownie batter in a white bowl with a spoon.
      Edible Brownie Batter
    • many peanut butter oatmeal balls on parchment paper, shown from above.
      3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls (Vegan)

    Did you make these healthy no-bake pumpkin protein balls? Please leave a star rating and review below. This supports my blog and helps other readers! If you post a photo of your energy balls on Instagram and tag me, I would love to share it. Remember to follow me on Pinterest and join my email list to stay updated with the newest recipes. Enjoy!

    Recipe

    a small clear bowl with multiple pumpkin protein balls inside, full of chocolate chips.

    Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake)

    Samantha Ensinger
    These healthy no-bake pumpkin protein balls are ready to enjoy in just 15 minutes! Made with oats, pumpkin puree, protein powder, maple syrup, and no peanut butter, these energy bites are the perfect fall snack. They're vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and taste like pumpkin pie!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Chill Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 25 protein balls
    Calories 48 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
    • 1 Small Cookie Scoop (about 1 tablespoon)
    • 1 Plate or Tray (for chilling the balls)

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup rolled oats
    • ½ cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based)*
    • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ cup pure pumpkin puree NOT pumpkin pie filling!
    • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
    • ⅓ cup vegan mini chocolate chips optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
      1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup vanilla protein powder, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
    • Add the pure pumpkin puree and maple syrup to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until well-combined. The mixture will be quite thick and sticky!
      ½ cup pure pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
    • Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips (if using).
      ⅓ cup vegan mini chocolate chips
    • Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to form evenly-sized protein balls. Roll each ball between your hands for the smoothest shape. They will be wet and sticky, so grease your hands with cooking spray to make it easier.
    • Place the protein balls on a tray lined with parchment paper or on a plate in a single layer, making sure the balls aren't touching. Refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes so the balls can firm up.
    • Remove the pumpkin balls from the fridge and enjoy! Store leftover protein balls in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge so they stay fresh all week.

    Notes

    Storage: Store leftover pumpkin energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the oat balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before enjoying again.
    *Protein Powder: It's important to choose a vanilla protein powder that you enjoy since the taste of the protein balls will depend a lot on the flavor of the protein. I recommend Vega or Orgain plant-based protein, but any vanilla protein powder works.
    Calories: Nutrition facts were calculated using Orgain Plant-Based Vanilla Protein Powder. Each protein ball has about 48 calories when you make 25 small oat balls.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Autumn says

      April 12, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      YUM!! These protein balls are so good. The pumpkin and chocolate chips are delicious together. I used milk chocolate chips and they weren't too sweet which was perfect. LOVE that they are vegan & gluten-free and also nut-free since my son has a peanut allergy. Most energy ball recipes have peanut butter so I love that this one is without peanut butter. Tastes amazing!! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Samantha Ensinger says

        April 12, 2023 at 3:50 pm

        Hi Autumn,
        Thank you for such kind words! I was having trouble finding protein balls and oatmeal balls without peanut butter too, which is why I wanted these to be nut-free! Plus, I think the pumpkin spice flavor shines without the peanut butter in there. I'm glad that you loved them! Milk chocolate sounds like a lovely addition. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Emily says

      April 12, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      These pumpkin protein balls are delicious! I didn’t have protein powder so I used some collagen powder instead. Yum!! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Samantha Ensinger says

        April 12, 2023 at 4:39 pm

        Hi Emily,
        Thanks for trying the recipe! I wouldn't have thought to use collagen powder, but I'm so happy that they came out well for you. What a great suggestion! I hope you enjoy them.

        Reply

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