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Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

Print Recipe
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats pulse in a blender for 5–10 seconds to make oat “flour”
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder whey or plant-based
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/3 cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter, cashew butter
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or 3/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/8 tsp nutmeg + 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8–1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to balance sweetness
  • 2–3 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips optional but recommended
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk of choice only if needed for mixing
  • Optional coatings extra cinnamon, crushed pecans, or unsweetened shredded coconut

Method
 

  1. Prep the oats. Add oats to a blender or food processor and pulse briefly until they resemble coarse flour. Don't overblend—you want a little texture.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk oat flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This prevents clumping later.
  3. Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir pumpkin purée, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Bring it together. Add wet mixture to dry and stir with a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula. If the dough is too crumbly, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If too sticky, add a tablespoon more oat flour.
  5. Stir in extras. Fold in mini chocolate chips (or chopped pecans) for texture and a little bite-to-bite surprise.
  6. Roll the balls. Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of dough, roll between your palms, and place on a parchment-lined plate. You should get 16–20 balls depending on size.
  7. Optional glow-up. Roll balls in cinnamon, crushed pecans, or coconut for a festive finish. Totally extra, totally worth it.
  8. Set and chill. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up. They'll hold together better and taste even more like pumpkin pie.
  9. Serve. Plate them near the charcuterie board and brace yourself for compliments.