Do they need to chill?

Not necessarily. These pumpkin protein bites firm up a bit and taste a little better once they're cooled, but we snacked on them during the testing phase. They're good at room temperature, too, like little bites of pumpkin pie.

Can I freeze this pumpkin protein ball recipe?

Yes! But they do freeze solid, so you'll need to defrost them before you can eat them. Just stick them in your fridge a few hours before you need them.

Any other add-ons or flavors I can use?

We considered using coconut flakes for this recipe, but the only reason we didn't use them is you couldn't see that amazing orange color. They're a great option for an addition. You could also try pumpkin seeds as a replacement for the pecans.

Can I do the without a food processor?

Yes, but be prepare to do a lot of hands-on mixing in a large bowl. This may add 5 to 10 minutes more work.

What protein powder do you recommend for this recipe?

The best batch we made used True Nutrition Cinnamon Bun. It paired so well with the fall flavors. Their brand of vanilla pea protein powder also worked really well!

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, but that's a lot of work! You'd have to cut, bake and then blend up a whole pumpkin. If you really want to, say for an excuse to roast some pumpkin seeds, go for it.

Easy No Bake Protein Pumpkin Balls Recipe

Name: Easy No Bake Protein Pumpkin Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15.5 oz Can Chickpeas or White Bean of Choice; 1 Cup Oat Flour; 2 Scoops of Plant-Based Cinnamon or Vanilla Protein Powder (About 100 g or 2 servings); 3/4 Cups Pumpkin Puree; 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup; 1/4 - 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1/8 Teaspoon Salt; 1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans or Vegan Mini Chocolate Chips

Description

Protein Pumpkin Balls are a super easy and satisfying healthy snack this fall. With over 16 grams of protein per serving, they are a great way to keep from feeling hungry during the fall.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 15.5 oz Can Chickpeas or White Bean of Choice
1 cup Oat Flour
2 Scoops of Plant-Based Cinnamon or Vanilla Protein Powder (About 100 g or 2 servings)
3/4 cups Pumpkin Puree
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
1/4 - 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Vegan Mini Chocolate Chips

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Instructions

Prepare Tray: To a quarter sheet pan add a layer of parchment paper (alternatively, you can use a couple of plates). Make sure to make room for said tray in your refrigerator.
Strain the Chickpeas: Open your can of chickpeas and then add them to a strainer over a sink. Rinse until the water comes out clear.
Add To Food Processor: Add everything to your food processor, except the pecans/mini chocolate chips. Blend until smooth. You may need to scrap down the sides of the food processor to get everything to combine. Then add your pecans/chocolate chips and briefly blitz them in.
Shape into Balls: Using a small to medium cookie scoop (depending on how large you want each piece to be), scoop out the dough into even pieces and place them on the prepared baking tray. Once all the dough has been used, use you hands to roll them into spheres.
Add More Chunks, Optional: If you want even more chunks, take some extra pecans or chocolate and gently press them into the protein balls.
Chill: Add to the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are pleasantly cool.
Enjoy: Remove them the sheet and add them to a resealable container. They should last about a week in the fridge.

Notes

Note 1: You can freeze these energy balls, but they do freeze solid. You'll need to defrost them before you can eat them. Just stick them in your fridge a few hours before you need them.
Note 2: You can make this without a food processor, but be prepare to do a lot of hands-on mixing in a large bowl. This may add 5 to 10 minutes more work.
Note 3: Your serving size may vary depending on the size of the scoop you use. Use an online calculator to determine your needs.
Note 4: You can eat these as soon as they are individual balls. They firm up a bit and taste a little better once they're cooled, but we snacked on them during the testing phase. They're good without the chill, too.
Note 5: Note that the exact grams of protein in your recipe depends on the brand of protein powder you use.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Food Processor
Cuisine: American