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These Pumpkin Protein Balls are the perfect snack for Fall to satisfy your pumpkin cravings while also providing a protein-packed boost. This recipe is grain-free, gluten-free and has 5 grams of protein in each serving!
Over the years I’ve shared a lot of healthy snack recipes, and these Pumpkin Protein Balls have been a Fall staple in the my community and went viral on the Choosing Chia Instagram with over 14,000 people asking for the recipe. (They can also be made into cute pumpkin shapes like I shared on Instagram!)
Table of Contents
Fall is in the air, which means it’s officially pumpkin spice season! And while you may be thinking about indulging in a vegan pumpkin spice latte, Some Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats, or some Healthy Pumpkin Muffins there’s another pumpkin-inspired treat that should be on your mind, and it’s these Pumpkin Protein Balls!
When To Make This
- Quick weekday snacks: Keep a batch in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go bite when you need a snack between meals. Also try my classic Cookie Dough Protein Balls for a different variation!
- Post-workout: With 5 grams of protein each, these balls make a great recovery snack after the gym or a yoga class.
- Fall-inspired treat: Perfect for when you’re craving pumpkin spice flavour without baking a whole dessert.
- Meal prep: Make them ahead on Sunday so you have healthy snacks ready all week. Also try my Banana Protein Balls if you want to switch up the flavours!
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
- Almond flour: packed with healthy fats and some protein this makes a great base for recipes like protein balls or Almond Flour Banana Muffins. You can substitute with oat flour if needed.
- Protein Powder: I recommend using unflavoured protein powder, or vanilla protein powder. If you don’t want to use protein powder you can substitute with more almond flour. Use extra protein powder to make a batch of Homemade Perfect Bars or some Banana Protein Muffins.
- Pumpkin pie spice: You can buy this blend at most grocery stores or on Amazon. You can also make your own pumpkin spice by mixing together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Cookie and Kate’s blog has a great pumpkin spice recipe if you want to make your own.
- Cashew butter: You can substitute with any type of nut butter you like. For a nut free version use tahini or soy butter.
- Pumpkin puree. Make sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You can still make this recipe without pumpkin puree and add 1-2 tbsp of almond milk to make the dough easier to bind.
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.
How To Make Pumpkin Protein Balls
Step 1: Add the nut butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix together until well combined.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mix together the almond flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips and salt.
Step 4: Add the wet and dry ingredients together.
Step 5: Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Roll into balls and place in the fridge to set.
How To Store
Store these Pumpkin Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Jess’s Tips
- Enjoy them from the freezer: These protein balls taste great straight from the freezer. Just let them thaw for 5 minutes to soften before eating.
- Choose a protein powder you like: Make sure to use a protein powder you enjoy the taste of in this recipe. I like to use vanilla protein powder like I use for this Berry Protein Smoothie.
- Adjust the texture: If the dough feels too soft, mix in 2–3 tablespoons of almond flour. If it’s too dry, add 1 more tablespoon of pumpkin purée.
- Go easy on the chocolate chips: Adding too many makes the dough hard to roll and stick together.
- Mix in extras: Try chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips for a different variation!
- Chill before rolling: If the dough is sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before shaping into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop: This helps keep the balls the same size and makes rolling easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Substitute almond flour with oat flour and cashew butter with tahini or soy butter for a nut-free variation.
Yes. If you prefer to make these protein balls without protein powder you can just add an extra 1/4 cup of almond flour or oat flour.
Try These Pumpkin Recipes Next!
Breakfast
Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
Recipes
Pumpkin mug cake
Desserts
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Breakfast
Pumpkin Spice Latte Chia Pudding
If you tried these Pumpkin Protein Balls or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Pumpkin Protein Balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
- Category: snack
- Method: mix
- Cuisine: american
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pumpkin protein balls that are packed with 5 grams of protein in each ball!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup protein powder (any flavour you like, vanilla works well)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup cashew butter (can sub any nut butter)
- 3 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the almond flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cashew butter, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Roll the dough into balls, using about 1 tablespoon for each.
- Place the balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
If the dough feels too wet, add a couple extra tablespoons of almond flour.
If the dough feels to dry, add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Love these healthy protein balls! Easy to make & easy to grab on the go for a protein boost.
So happy you enjoyed them!
Can this be made without protein powder?
Yes! you can leave it out and substitute with almond or oat flour
Hi. Do you know approximately how many calories are in each ball?
Hi Jeannie! The nutrition information is shared in the recipe card 🙂
Why can’t we use canned pumpkin? It would be a great way to use up extra canned pumpkin. Thank you!
Hi Anne, it doesn’t say anywhere that you can’t use canned pumpkin puree? you can use fresh or canned! Whichever you prefer 🙂
Does it have to be almond flour? Can I use all purpose flour?
uncooked all purpose flour isn’t great to eat. (it’s supposed to be cooked.) you could use oat flour instead (you can make it by blending oats)