Coconut Pumpkin Protein Balls are tasty little bites packed with pumpkin, coconut, and protein goodness. They’re sweet, chewy, and perfect for a healthy snack any time of day!
Making these is super fun! I love rolling them into balls and then eating them whenever I need a treat. They’re like little energy buddies that keep me going! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is great because it saves time! If you don’t have canned, you can use homemade pumpkin puree made by roasting and blending pumpkin. Just make sure it’s thick enough!
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder adds a sweet touch. If you’re out, you could use the unflavored version, but feel free to add a little extra sweetener. For a vegan option, go for a plant-based protein like pea or brown rice.
Sweetener: Honey is my go-to, but maple syrup is a wonderful vegan alternative. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you could also try agave nectar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a nice texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip it or substitute with chopped nuts or seeds for a different crunch.
How Do You Make Sure the Protein Balls Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key for these protein balls to hold their shape. Start by mixing wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ones. If the mixture feels too dry, a splash of almond milk can help. If it’s too wet, simply add a little more oats or protein powder to thicken it up.
- Combine pumpkin puree, honey, and vanilla extract well before adding dry ingredients.
- Mix until you get a sticky yet moldable mixture. If it crumbles, feel free to adjust with more wet or dry ingredients.
- Form 1-inch balls by pressing firmly; spacing them out on parchment helps with easy handling.
Coconut Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In no time at all, you will have delicious, energy-packed protein balls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the canned pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix these together until it’s nice and smooth. Feel free to use a fork or a spatula—just make sure everything is well-blended!
2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to add the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if you like a little extra spice), and a pinch of salt to the pumpkin mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and starts to stick together. You want it to be sticky enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
3. Incorporating Coconut:
Once you have a nice sticky mixture, fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded coconut. This gives your protein balls an awesome texture and flavor! Stir until the coconut is evenly distributed.
4. Forming the Balls:
With clean hands or a small cookie scoop, start forming the mixture into small 1-inch balls. You can make them bigger or smaller if you prefer, but this size is perfect for a quick snack!
5. Coating in Coconut:
Once you’ve rolled all the balls, take some additional shredded coconut and roll each ball in it to coat evenly. This adds a nice finish and extra coconut goodness!
6. Chilling and Storing:
Place the coconut-coated balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. After that, they’re ready to enjoy! You can store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze them for later.
Enjoy these nutrient-packed, chewy, and sweet pumpkin protein balls as a healthy snack or post-workout treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, you can roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure it’s thick enough to avoid excess moisture in your protein balls.
How Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure that your protein powder is plant-based. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
Can I Freeze These Protein Balls?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just place the protein balls in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of Oats?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free oats or even quinoa flakes. Alternatively, ground almonds or almond flour can also work as a substitute, creating a different texture and flavor.
