Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

Every fall, my kitchen becomes a pumpkin spice paradise, and these pumpkin spice protein balls are the crown jewel of my autumn baking. I started making these five years ago when I needed a healthier snack option that still satisfied my pumpkin cravings. They’ve become a seasonal tradition in our house – Emma and Lucas beg for them the moment September hits! The best part? No baking required, and they come together in just 10 minutes. Trust me, these will be your new favorite fall treat!

Prep Time	10 minutes
Chill Time	30 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Servings	20 balls
Difficulty	Easy
Calories	~95 per ball (est.)

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Nutrition Information

Each protein ball is packed with wholesome ingredients that give you sustained energy throughout your day. Here’s what you’re getting in every bite!

Per Ball (estimated):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	95 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	13g
Fat	3.5g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Notes: These nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient measurements. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands of protein powder, nut butter, and other ingredients you use. The protein content will be higher if you use a protein powder with more protein per serving!

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls Recipe

Essential Equipment

You’ll need minimal equipment for these no-bake protein balls:

• Food processor or large mixing bowl → Recommended Food processor
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment-lined baking sheet → Recommended Baking sheet
• Airtight storage container → Recommended Airtight storage

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 scoop (about ¼ cup) vanilla protein powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

Substitution Table

Ingredient	Substitution	Note
Vanilla protein powder	Unflavored or chocolate protein powder	Chocolate adds richness
Maple syrup	Honey or agave nectar	Slightly different sweetness
Almond butter	Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter	Nut-free option available
Pecans	Walnuts or pepitas	Any nut or seed works
Old-fashioned oats	Quick oats	Don’t use steel-cut

Instructions

1. Prep your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This is where your protein balls will chill, and trust me, parchment paper makes cleanup so much easier!
2. Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. I like to whisk these together first so the spices distribute evenly – you’ll get pumpkin flavor in every single bite.
3. Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Here’s where most people go wrong – make sure your nut butter is well-stirred before measuring, or you’ll get an oily mixture that won’t hold together properly.
4. Combine everything. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until completely combined. The mixture should look thick and slightly sticky. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of maple syrup at a time. If it’s too wet (this happens if you use extra pumpkin), add a tablespoon of oats.
5. Form the balls. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 20 balls, about 1 tablespoon each. I’ve found that slightly damp hands prevent sticking – just keep a small bowl of water nearby. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Chill and enjoy. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. They’ll hold their shape better and taste even more delicious once chilled. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight!

Tips & Notes for Success

Baking Tips

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! I learned this the hard way when I grabbed the wrong can. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars and spices that’ll throw off the entire recipe.
• Room temperature ingredients blend better. If your almond butter is cold and hard, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.
• Don’t skip the chill time. I know it’s tempting to eat them right away, but these healthy pumpkin treats really need that firming-up time in the fridge.
• Toast your pecans first for extra flavor. Just 5 minutes in a 350°F oven makes them incredibly fragrant and adds depth to every bite.

Troubleshooting

• Balls falling apart? You’ve used too much pumpkin or not enough binding ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons more oats or a bit more nut butter to help them hold together.
• Too dry and crumbly? Add maple syrup one teaspoon at a time until the mixture comes together. It should feel slightly sticky but not wet.
• Not sweet enough? Different protein powders have varying sweetness levels. Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup if yours tastes bland.
• Mixture too sticky to roll? Pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes, then try again with damp hands.

Storage & Make-Ahead

These easy protein balls store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. I always make a double batch and freeze half – they thaw in about 15 minutes at room temperature, perfect for a quick snack.

Variations

• Chocolate lovers: Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips and swap vanilla protein for chocolate protein powder.
• Extra protein boost: Stir in 2 tablespoons hemp hearts or chia seeds.
• Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter and swap pecans for pepitas (pumpkin seeds – how perfect!).
• Sweeter treat: Roll the finished balls in cinnamon sugar for a festive coating.

More Related Recipes

If you loved these pumpkin spice protein balls, you’ll definitely want to try these other fall favorites from my kitchen:

• 10 Healthy Homemade Protein Ball Recipes
• Chocolate Energy Balls
• 7 Best High-Protein Energy Bar Recipes
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls
• Coconut Vanilla Protein Balls

Conclusion

These pumpkin spice protein balls have saved me countless times when I needed a quick healthy snack that actually tastes like a treat. Make a batch this weekend and watch them disappear! I’d love to hear how yours turn out – tag me with your creations!

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