No Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls (Printable version)

Spiced pumpkin oat energy balls with protein powder and warm fall flavors, ready in 15 minutes without baking.

# Ingredient list:

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

02 - 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)

03 - 2 tbsp chia seeds

04 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

05 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

06 - 1/4 tsp salt

07 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

08 - 1/3 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)

09 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

11 - 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips

12 - 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

02 - Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a thick, cohesive dough forms.

03 - Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

04 - Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 12 balls.

05 - Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

06 - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

01 -

They taste like pumpkin pie meets cookie dough but actually keep you full for hours
You can make them in literally 15 minutes with zero baking and one bowl to wash

02 -

If your dough won't hold together add more almond butter a teaspoon at a time until it becomes workable
Different protein powders absorb moisture differently so trust your hands and adjust the pumpkin or nut butter as needed

03 -

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before rolling to let the oats soften slightly for better texture
Warm your almond butter slightly in the microwave if it's rock hard from the fridge it mixes in much more easily