Pumpkin Protein Energy Balls

Need a quick snack before heading to the Y, picking up the kids or tackling a busy afternoon? These Pumpkin Protein Energy Balls come together without turning on the oven. Made with pumpkin, oats, nut butter and protein powder, they’re an easy fall-inspired snack you can make ahead and keep in the fridge for the week.

Pumpkin Protein Energy Balls

Makes: About 16 energy balls

Prep time: 15 minutes

No baking required

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut or almond butter
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, optional

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
  2. Refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  3. Roll into about 16 small balls, using approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture for each.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tip

If the mixture feels too dry, add another tablespoon of pumpkin puree or nut butter. If it feels too wet, add a little more oats.