These Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! Packed with pumpkin puree, oats, and protein, they are great for a quick energy boost.
The mix of spices gives them a warm, cozy flavor. I love popping these into my bag for a tasty pick-me-up during the day. They’re so easy to make, you’ll want to share with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed. They provide bulk and chewy texture. Sometimes, I blend some oats into flour to change the texture slightly; it works great too!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can roast your own pumpkin for a fresher flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
Pitted Dates: Dates add natural sweetness and help bind the ingredients. If you’re out, maple syrup can work, but you might need less liquid overall.
Vegan Protein Powder: I prefer vanilla for its extra flavor, but any unflavored plant protein will do. If you’re not into protein powder, use nut flour for added texture and nutrition.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Feel free to mix your spices! A combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds a lovely warmth. Customize it to your taste!
How Do You Get the Perfect Consistency for Protein Balls?
Getting the right dough consistency is key to rolling perfect protein balls. Here’s my approach:
- Start by blending the dates into a paste. This is critical for binding.
- Add dry ingredients gradually. If the mix feels too dry, a tiny splash of water or almond milk helps.
- Hold the dough in your hand; it should stick together easily without being overly wet.
- Refrigerating the balls for a bit helps firm them up and makes for easy rolling.
Making them into even-sized balls provides a consistent snack experience, making it easier to plan portion sizes!
Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup vegan protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus at least 1 hour to refrigerate for firming up. So, in total, you can whip these tasty snacks up in about an hour and 15 minutes! Perfect for meal prepping for the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Date Paste:
Start by adding the pitted dates into your food processor. Pulse them until they become a smooth and sticky paste. This step is crucial as it will help bind all the ingredients together!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, vegan protein powder, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Mix everything together until it becomes a sticky dough that holds when pressed. You might need to scrape down the sides a bit to make sure everything is well combined.
3. Form the Protein Balls:
Once your mixture is ready, take about 1 tablespoon of it and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; just make sure they stick together. Repeat this process until you’ve rolled all the mixture into balls!
4. Chill and Enjoy:
Place the formed protein balls into an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help them firm up nicely! Once they’re chilled, they’re ready to enjoy as a quick, nutritious snack or energy boost anytime you need it!
These Vegan Pumpkin Protein Balls are a delightful balance of sweetness from the dates and the spice of pumpkin. They’re healthy, filling, and perfect for anyone looking for a vegan treat!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Dates?
Absolutely! If you don’t have dates on hand, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Just adjust the quantity since these liquid sweeteners are sweeter than dates. Start with about 1/4 cup and feel free to add more if needed.
How Do I Store These Protein Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking!
Can I Add Extras to the Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in extras like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful that too many additions may affect the binding, so you might need a little extra pumpkin puree or oats.
Can I Make These Protein Balls Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and you’re good to go. Make sure that all other ingredients, like protein powder, are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
