These Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are the perfect snack for Fall to satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings while also providing a protein-packed boost. This recipe is grain-free, gluten-free and has 5 grams of protein in each serving!

a pumpkin protein ball with a bite taken out of it

Pumpkin energy balls with protein

Fall is in the air, which means it’s officially pumpkin spice season! And while you may be thinking about indulging in a pumpkin spice latte, there’s another pumpkin-inspired treat that should be on your mind: pumpkin protein balls!

These pumpkin protein balls are gluten-free, grain-free and packed with 5 grams of protein in each energy ball. They can be enjoyed as a little bite in the morning with your coffee, a snack, (they’re great for that 3pm slump!) or for a little protein-packed dessert.

Why you’ll love these protein balls

  • Can be made in one bowl. No need for any fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe! You can make these energy balls directly in a large mixing bowl, or in two mixing bowls if you prefer to mix together the wet ingredients first.
  • Protein-packed snack. Each one of these protein balls has 5 grams of protein and will help keep you feeling full and energized throughout your day.
  • Pumpkin spice heaven. If you love the Fall flavours of cozy pumpkin spice then you’ll love the taste of these protein balls! They’re filled with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.

Ingredients and substitutions

  • Almond flour: this is what the base of the protein balls is made of. You can substitute with oat flour, or a mix of half coconut flour and almond flour.
  • 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. My favourite protein powder is from sprout living. (code “choosingchia” for 20% off)
  • Pumpkin pie spice: this gives the protein balls that classic pumpkin spice flavour! You can also make your own pumpkin spice by mixing together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.
  • Salt: just a pinch to balance out the flavour.
  • Chocolate chips: this is optional, but they are delicious in these protein balls! I like to use mini chocolate chips.
  • Almond butter: You can substitute with any type of nut butter you like, but if you choose to use peanut the protein balls will have a strong peanut taste
  • 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.
  • Maple syrup: I recommend using real maple syrup for the best taste!
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch for flavour.

*Full recipe measurements and instructions are below in the recipe card.

How to make pumpkin protein balls

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the almond flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips and salt.

almond flour, spices and chocolate chips in a mixing bowl

Step 2

Mix the almond butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl.

mixed up pumpkin puree and almond butter in a mixing bowl

Step 3

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together until it forms a dough.

pumpkin protein ball dough in a mixing bowl

Step 4

Roll into even balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball. Place the protein balls in the fridge for at least one hour to set, and store in the fridge or freezer.

pumpkin protein balls on a white plate

How to store

These Pumpkin Protein balls MUST be stored in the fridge or in the freezer. They cannot be stored on the countertop. (Otherwise, they’ll become too soft!)

Store these Protein Balls in the fridge in an airtight container for one week, or in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Tip: these protein balls can be enjoyed straight from the freezer, which is how I like to store them to keep them fresh! Just let them thaw for 5 minutes before eating.

Expert tips for making protein balls

  • Use a protein powder that you enjoy the taste of. Some protein powders can have a chalky taste. If you don’t like the protein powder in other ways (in smoothies etc.) you probably won’t enjoy the taste of it in these protein balls.
  • If the dough is too soft, add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of almond flour and mix together.
  • If the dough is too dry, add another tablespoon of pumpkin puree and mix together.
  • Don’t add too many chocolate chips to the protein balls. If you do it will make it more difficult for the dough to stick together and to be able to roll them into balls.
  • Add any mix-ins you love. You can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, dried fruits or whatever you want to these protein balls!

Frequently asked questions

Are protein balls good for you?

Yes, protein balls are good for you in moderation. Each protein ball has 100 calories and 5 grams of protein.

Can I eat protein balls every day?

Yes. You can enjoy protein balls daily as a healthy snack or dessert.

Can I make this recipe without protein powder?

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.

Can I make this recipe without almond flour?

Yes. You can substitute almond flour with oat flour if you prefer!

pumpkin protein balls on a marble board

Try these pumpkin recipes next!

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!

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a pumpkin protein ball with a bite taken out of it

Pumpkin Protein Balls

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  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 20 balls 1x
  • Category: snack
  • Method: mix
  • Cuisine: american
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Pumpkin protein balls that are packed with 5 grams of protein in each ball!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Mix the almond flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and chocolate chips together in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and vanilla extract
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix together until combined.
  4. Roll into balls, about 1 tbsp of dough per ball.
  5. Place in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour.
  6. Store in the fridge.
 

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: 100
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g