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Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls for On-the-Go Snacking
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for easy, healthy snacks to keep my family fueled throughout the week.
Whether we’re rushing out the door in the morning or looking for something to nibble on during a mid-afternoon energy slump, these pumpkin protein balls have become a family favorite.
They’re packed with wholesome ingredients and are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Table of Contents
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Why are Pumpkin Protein Balls a great snack?
These pumpkin protein balls are not only delicious but are also full of nutritious ingredients that are ideal for a family snack.
The combination of oats, pumpkin, chia seeds, and protein powder makes them both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
They’re perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or an after-school snack before sports practice.
Best of all, they require no baking, and you can make a batch in under 10 minutes. Let me walk you through how to make these delightful little snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 4 scoops vanilla protein powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup raw honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chia seeds. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and raw honey (or maple syrup if you want a vegan version). Stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. You may need to use a little elbow grease here!
Form the Balls
Once the mixture is well-combined, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the dough into bite-sized balls. I usually make mine about 1 inch in diameter, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Chill the Pumpkin Protein Balls
Place the pumpkin protein balls on a baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. Once they’re set, you can transfer them to an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacking.
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How to store these Pumpkin Protein Balls
These pumpkin protein balls are perfect for meal prep, especially if you’re looking to make snacks in advance. Here are some storage tips:
Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last up to one week. They’re great to grab as you’re heading out the door or packing lunchboxes for the kids.
Freezer: If you want to meal prep these in bulk (which I highly recommend), you can freeze them! Place the protein balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour.
Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or pop them into the fridge the night before.
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Perfect for Meal Prep and Postpartum Freezer Meals
If you’re pregnant or in those postpartum days, you know how much of a lifesaver it is to have healthy, ready-to-eat snacks on hand.
I remember preparing batches of these protein balls while I was expecting, and they were a fantastic go-to snack in the first few weeks after my baby arrived.
They’re easy to eat one-handed (a big plus when you’ve got a newborn!) and provide a boost of energy and protein, which is especially important when you’re breastfeeding or recovering from birth.
Plus, since they freeze so well, you can make a big batch in advance and stock your freezer.
When you’re feeling low on energy, simply grab a couple and enjoy them as a quick snack.
Are Pumpkin Protein Balls a Healthier Alternative to Store-Bought Snacks?
Yes, one of the reasons I love making these protein balls is that they’re a much healthier option compared to the ultra-processed snacks you find in boxes at the store.
Many packaged snacks are filled with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and added sugars that leave you feeling unsatisfied and craving more.
These pumpkin protein balls, on the other hand, are made with whole, nourishing ingredients that keep you and your family fuller for longer.
The rolled oats provide fiber, while the chia seeds add healthy fats.
The peanut butter and protein powder give these balls a hefty dose of protein, making them perfect for satisfying hunger and keeping energy levels steady throughout the day.
You’ll feel good knowing that you’re providing your family with a wholesome snack that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
The Importance of Getting Enough Protein
As a mom, I know how important it is to fuel my body properly.
Protein is a key part of that, especially for growing kids and busy parents alike.
Whether you’re looking to build and repair muscles, balance blood sugar, or stay full longer between meals, protein plays a crucial role.
Including these protein balls in your weekly snack rotation is an easy way to ensure your family is getting enough protein each day.
Plus, the addition of chia seeds and peanut butter boosts the protein content even further.
Protein-rich snacks like these help avoid the energy crashes that often follow sugary, processed snacks.
Vegan Protein Powder vs. Whey Protein Powder
When it comes to choosing a protein powder for these pumpkin balls, I personally prefer using a vegan protein powder, because it’s easier on my digestion.
That being said, you can easily swap out the vegan protein for whey protein if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
Both options work well in this recipe, but I love the natural taste and texture of vanilla vegan protein powders, especially when combined with the warm, autumnal flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.
No matter which protein powder you use, these pumpkin protein balls are a fantastic way to add extra protein into your family’s diet without compromising on flavor or convenience.
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Something delicious for your inbox! Join many others and subscribe to my FREE email list. You’ll get every new recipe and baking post as they’re published, plus an email with my most popular baking tips and recipes.
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I hope these pumpkin protein balls become a staple in your home like they have in ours!
They’re quick to make, easy to store, and packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week ahead or stocking your freezer with postpartum-friendly snacks, these pumpkin protein balls are sure to become a favorite go-to.
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Pumpkin Protein Balls
Pumpkin protein balls are a quick, healthy, and delicious no-bake snack made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for on-the-go families or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 4 scoops vanilla protein powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup raw honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chia seeds. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Next, add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and raw honey (or maple syrup if you want a vegan version). Stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. You may need to use a little elbow grease here!
Form the Protein Balls
- Once the mixture is well-combined, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the dough into bite-sized balls. I usually make mine about 1 inch in diameter, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Chill the Pumpkin Protein Balls
- Place the pumpkin protein balls on a baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. Once they’re set, you can transfer them to an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4.4gFat: 1.8gSodium: 73mgPotassium: 56.8mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 4.3g
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
