Healthy No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls with Oats
These no-bake pumpkin protein balls are a quick, wholesome snack made with oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and protein powder. They’re chewy, naturally sweetened, and perfect for meal prep or a post-workout refuel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (120g) pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
- ⅓ cup (80g) creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- ¼ cup (30g) vanilla protein powder
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Stir with a spatula until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon more oats.
- If using, gently fold in mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- For easier rolling, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes (optional but recommended).
- Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough and roll into smooth balls. Dampen hands slightly if sticky.
- Place balls on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
For best texture, chill the dough before rolling. If the dough is too sticky, chill it first before adding more oats. These protein balls improve after a day in the fridge as flavors meld. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or tahini. For a low-sugar option, replace maple syrup with unsweetened applesauce and liquid stevia.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pumpkin protein balls, no-bake protein balls, healthy pumpkin snack, gluten-free snack, dairy-free snack, meal prep snack