Pumpkin Protein Balls (No-Bake!) | Healthy Fall Snack

Introduction

Pumpkin Protein Balls are the answer to busy fall days when you crave a healthy, seasonal treat that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor, wholesome oats, and an energizing boost of protein, these bite-sized snacks come together in minutes without any need for baking. Ideal for on-the-go breakfasts, after-school snacks, or pre-workout fuel, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser for adults and kids alike.

Deliciously Nutritious Pumpkin Protein Balls

What sets these Pumpkin Protein Balls apart is their irresistible combination of creamy pumpkin puree, hearty oats, and a hint of maple sweetness—all wrapped up with a protein-packed punch. The no-bake method means you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes without turning on the oven, making them perfect for autumn meal prep or quick snacking. Plus, the classic pumpkin spice flavor instantly puts you in a cozy, fall state of mind.

How to Keep Them Healthy and Flavorful

For the best texture and taste, use pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—so you control the sweetness and the nutrition. Rolling the mixture in unsweetened shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips gives each ball a fun finish. To maximize protein, opt for your favorite high-quality vanilla or cinnamon protein powder, and don’t forget a dash of pumpkin pie spice for that unmistakable fall aroma.

Building the Perfect Protein Ball

Start by mixing the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, natural nut butter, and maple syrup. Then, blend in oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and spices for a sturdy, nutrient-rich base. If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, a quick chill in the fridge will make shaping much easier. Kids love helping with this step—just scoop, roll, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Protein Balls

These protein balls are delicious fresh from the fridge, making them a great meal prep option. Serve them for breakfast with a cup of coffee, tuck them into lunchboxes, or keep a stash for a post-workout boost. For a festive touch, roll them in coconut flakes or dip half in dark chocolate for a special treat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 18 pumpkin protein balls. Each ball typically contains 70–90 calories, 3–5g protein, and is loaded with healthy fats and fiber—an ideal keep-you-full snack with no refined sugar.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, nut butter, and maple syrup. Mix until smooth.
2. Add oats, protein powder, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Blend thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
3. If the mixture is sticky, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to make rolling easier.
4. Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts and roll into balls. If desired, coat each ball in coconut flakes or mini chocolate chips.
5. Arrange balls on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is perfect for fall meal prep! Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to choose your snack days and generate a smart, consolidated shopping list for your week.

Planning Benefits:

• Totals ingredient amounts across all your planned recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by store section for speed and convenience
• Eliminates duplicate items and helps prevent forgotten ingredients
• Makes it easy to prep snacks like these while planning main meals

Pro tip: Batch schedule your healthy snacks and combine grocery lists for all meal types. If another recipe uses oats or nut butter, your shopping list will include a precise total, saving you money and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)