These Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls are perfect little snacks packed with healthy goodness! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and a hint of spice, they’re tasty and filling.
Making these is super simple! I love grabbing a few for a quick breakfast or an energy boost during the day—plus, they’re cute little bites that make me feel like a snack boss! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Whole grain rolled oats are key for texture. If you’re gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats!
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin for convenience. If you prefer fresh, make sure to roast and puree sugar pumpkins for the best flavor. In a pinch, you might swap it with mashed banana or sweet potato.
Nut Butter: Natural peanut butter adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative that works well!
Pumpkin Seeds: They lend a nice crunch! You can replace them with chopped nuts or even sunflower seeds if you like. No seeds? Just crush some granola instead!
Vegan Protein Powder: Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla tends to complement the spices nicely. If you need a substitution, hemp or pea protein is a solid option.
How Do I Get the Right Consistency When Mixing?
Getting the right texture for your pumpkin protein balls is essential. When mixing, make sure it’s sticky but holds its shape. Here’s how to get there:
- Start by combining the dry ingredients first, ensuring an even mix.
- When adding wet ingredients, mix slowly until everything is evenly distributed.
- If your mixture feels too wet, you can add in more oats or protein powder a little at a time.
- Conversely, if it’s too dry, a splash of plant-based milk or a bit more pumpkin can help.
Trust your instincts here! It’s all about finding that perfect balance so your balls are both tasty and easy to roll.
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), finely chopped or ground
- 1/4 cup vegan protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips or raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes for chilling. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes before you can dive into these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, protein powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir them together until everything is evenly mixed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the pumpkin puree, peanut (or almond) butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is fully combined. It should be sticky enough to hold together. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more oats or protein powder. If it feels too dry, just add a little splash of plant-based milk or a bit more pumpkin puree.
3. Incorporate Optional Mix-ins:
If you’d like, fold in vegan chocolate chips or raisins for an extra treat! This step is really up to your taste preferences.
4. Shape Your Protein Balls:
Using clean hands, scoop about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a compact ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, placing each ball on a tray or plate as you go.
5. Chill and Store:
Place the tray of protein balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. Once chilled, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a week in the fridge or can be frozen for longer enjoyment.
These Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls are not only healthy but also packed with flavor. Perfect as a snack at home, work, or on the go. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it. This will give you a delicious, homemade pumpkin flavor!
How Long Do These Protein Balls Last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these pumpkin protein balls will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, where they’ll last for about a month.
Can I Substitute the Nut Butter?
Yes, if you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well as a substitute! Just make sure it’s all-natural to maintain that rich flavor.
What Other Mix-ins Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a scoop of your favorite seeds. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1/4 cup so the texture remains right.