These Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! With pumpkin puree, nut butter, and protein powder, they pack a nutritious punch, perfect for a quick boost.
They’re super easy to make—just mix, roll, and enjoy! I love keeping a batch in the fridge, ready for when I need a little treat. Who says healthy can’t be fun, right? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the recipe, adding moisture and flavor. Canned pumpkin is convenient, but fresh pumpkin works as well. If you can’t find either, mashed sweet potato is a great substitute!
Almond Flour: It gives the balls a nice texture and keeps them gluten-free. If you’re allergic or don’t have it on hand, try sunflower seed flour or coconut flour, but with coconut flour, use less since it’s super absorbent.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is perfect for flavor, but sunflower seed butter or cashew butter work well too, especially for those with nut allergies. Choose unsweetened versions to keep sugar levels down.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both are natural sweeteners that blend well. If you want a lower-glycemic option, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, just adjust the amount as needed!
Protein Powder: Choose a paleo-appropriate protein powder. If you want a vegan option, use pea protein. I personally prefer the vanilla flavor to add a little extra sweetness!
How Do I Ensure My Protein Balls Hold Together?
The key to making sure your protein balls stay together is the consistency of the mixture. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a bit more pumpkin puree or nut butter until it’s sticky enough to hold together.
- Combine wet ingredients first to ensure everything blends easily.
- When adding dry ingredients, stir gently to avoid over mixing.
- Chilling them in the fridge helps them firm up, so don’t skip that step!
With these tips, you’ll have perfect energy bites every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free for strict paleo)
- 1/4 cup almond butter or other nut butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored paleo-friendly protein powder
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free, paleo-friendly), optional
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional
- Pinch of sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together. After that, allow 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. This means you can have your delicious Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup (or honey). Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. This will create a yummy base for your protein balls!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Sprinkle in the almond flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, protein powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough. Make sure there are no dry spots left.
3. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re feeling a little extra, fold in the dark chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds. This will give your protein balls a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness!
4. Shape the Balls:
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined tray or plate. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; just do your best!
5. Chill and Set:
Pop the tray in the refrigerator and let the balls chill for at least 1 hour to help them set. This makes them easier to handle and gives them a firmer texture.
6. Store and Enjoy!
Once they are set, you can store your Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Whenever you need a quick snack or a post-workout boost, grab one and enjoy!
Happy snacking! 🥳
Can I Use a Different Nut Butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter is a popular choice, feel free to use any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or peanut butter. Just keep in mind that each will give the balls a slightly different flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice?
No problem! You can easily make your own spice mix by using 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Adjust based on your taste preferences!
How Should I Store These Protein Balls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes. Just make sure not to add too much, or it may affect the texture and binding of the mixture.
