High Protein Pumpkin Bites (Printable Version)
Spiced pumpkin energy balls loaded with protein and autumn warmth. Ready in 15 minutes, no baking needed.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
02 - 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
03 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
05 - 1/8 tsp ground ginger
06 - Pinch of salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
08 - 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
09 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
11 - 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
# Method:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
02 - In a separate bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
03 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined and a thick dough forms.
04 - Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
05 - Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands (about 1 inch in diameter).
06 - Place the bites on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
07 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them set.
08 - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- You get all the comfort of fall baking without ever turning on your oven
- Each bite delivers 4 grams of protein while tasting like dessert
- They come together in literally 15 minutes with zero cooking skills required
02 -
- The dough will feel sticky and messy at first but chilling makes it firm up beautifully
- Protein powder brands vary wildly in sweetness so taste your dough before chilling
- These keep for a week in the fridge but honestly they never last that long in my house
03 -
- Slightly damp hands prevent the dough from sticking while rolling
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before rolling if it feels too crumbly