Chia Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty snack packed with healthy ingredients like pumpkin puree and chia seeds. They’re perfect for a quick energy boost any time of day!
These little bites are great for satisfying cravings without the guilt. I love grabbing a couple before heading out—so easy and delicious, you might want to hide them from the family! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This adds moisture and flavor. If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can use mashed sweet potato for a similar texture and taste. However, pumpkin is just perfect for this recipe!
Rolled Oats: I used rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats work too, but they might make the balls a bit softer. If gluten-free is your thing, look for gluten-free oats!
Chia Seeds: These are great for binding and adding nutrition. If you don’t have chia seeds, use flaxseeds instead or just skip them, though they add a nice crunch!
Pumpkin Seeds: Great for crunch! You can substitute with sunflower seeds or even finely chopped nuts if desired.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is my favorite here, but peanut or sunflower seed butter works too—just go with your favorite! For nut-free options, try sunflower seed butter.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder gives a nice flavor, but feel free to use chocolate or leave it out if you prefer! You could also add protein from other sources like Greek yogurt or more nuts.
How Do I Make Sure My Protein Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key to ensuring your Chia Pumpkin Protein Balls hold together well. Start by mixing your wet and dry ingredients until everything is incorporated, but don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky. The chia seeds will help bind it all as they absorb moisture.
- If the mixture is too wet, sprinkle in a bit more rolled oats or protein powder until you get a good dough-like consistency.
- Conversely, if it feels dry, add a little more pumpkin puree or maple syrup to help it stick together.
- Chilling the balls in the fridge for half an hour will firm them up nicely, making them easier to roll.
Remember, it’s all about feeling the dough! Don’t panic if it’s a bit off—just adjust as needed!
Chia Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup rolled oats (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond or peanut butter
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple and healthy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge! So in just under an hour, you’ll have a nutritious snack ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in the pumpkin puree, almond (or peanut) butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rolled oats, protein powder, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt to your bowl. Stir everything together vigorously until all of it is mixed together and forms a sticky dough. If it seems too wet, sprinkle in some more oats or protein powder. If it feels too dry, mix in a bit more pumpkin puree or syrup.
3. Prepare for Rolling:
Grab a small bowl and fill it with some extra rolled oats and pumpkin seeds. This will be used to coat your protein balls. It adds some extra texture and crunch—yummy!
4. Roll the Protein Balls:
Scoop out small portions of the mixture, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, and roll them into balls using your hands. It’s messy but fun! Make sure they are nice and round.
5. Coat the Balls:
Take each ball and roll it gently in the bowl with the extra oats and pumpkin seeds. This helps give them a lovely finish and also makes them look super cute!
6. Chill Out:
Place your protein balls on a tray or plate and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial for making sure they hold their shape.
7. Store Properly:
Once chilled, enjoy them right away, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. These can also be frozen for longer storage—perfect for meal prep!
Enjoy these nutrient-dense, flavorful Chia Pumpkin Protein Balls as a healthy snack or quick bite! They’ll keep you energized and satisfied throughout your day.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook it, puree it, and let it cool before adding it to the mixture. It will work just as well as canned pumpkin puree!
Can I Substitute the Protein Powder?
Yes, you can switch out the protein powder for other sources of protein, like nuts or seeds, or leave it out entirely if you’re looking for a lower-protein option. Just be mindful that it might change the texture a bit!
How Long Do These Protein Balls Last?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
Definitely! Feel free to add more or less maple syrup or honey based on your personal taste preference. Start with the suggested amount, then taste the mixture before rolling to see if you’d like it sweeter!
