Pumpkin Protein Balls

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Bite sized and delicious, these pumpkin protein balls are the perfect healthy make-ahead snack for fall! They’re a little spiced, high protein, vegan friendly and boast 5 grams of protein per ball.

Protein balls are my favourite snack ever! So you know I had to make some insanely delicious pumpkin protein balls that seriously taste like pumpkin pie! They are such a delicious and nutritious snack, ideal for a quick grab and go breakfast during the cozy fall season.

These little bites are packed with real pumpkin puree, protein powder, cozy pumpkin pie spices, creamy cashew butter, chocolate chips, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. They’re naturally sweetened with a little honey, which brings out that wonderful pumpkin flavour you love. These seasonal pumpkin energy balls truly offer a burst of flavour and health benefits! I love that they are easy to prepare but also require no baking! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthful way. Each ball has only 105 calories and 5 grams of protein.

Ingredients you’ll need

These pumpkin protein balls are made with 8 nutritious pantry ingredients! Here’s everything you’ll need to make them:

Rolled oats: also known as “old-fashioned oats,” help hold these protein bites nicely. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but you may need to add a bit more quick oats if your dough is too sticky to roll into balls.
Pumpkin puree: Make sure you don’t use pumpkin pie filling, which has added sweetener. Instead, use 100% pumpkin puree for a bold pumpkin flavour plus added fibre and vitamin A.
Nut butter: All-natural cashew butter helps the energy bites stick together and gives them healthy fats.
Potein powder: Use a good-quality and good-tasting vanilla whey or vanilla pea protein powder. Substitute chocolate protein powder for a chocolate pumpkin protein ball.
Honey: Used to sweeten the balls and help stick them together.
Spices: We’re adding pumpkin pie spice for the perfect cozy flavour, plus a little sea salt.
Pumpkin seeds: I love the crunch that they add to each little bite.
Mini chocolate chips: Use semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

Ingredients shown to make the pumpkin protein balls.

How to make pumpkin protein balls:

Combine the ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and stir well to combine.

Shape the balls: Use your hands to form the pumpkin batter into protein balls and place them on a baking sheet. I like using a mini scoop to help make evenly sized balls and portion the mixture into balls.

Protein ball mixture in a bowl with a cookie scoop

Chill the balls: Place the balls in the fridge until they are chilled and firm to the touch. About 1-2 hours, then once the protein balls are hardened, it's easier to store them without sticking together.

Pumpkin protein balls on a baking sheet.

Note: Adjust ingredient amounts as needed to achieve the desired ball consistency. If they are too soft, add more oats; if too dry, add more nut butter or maple syrup until it forms easily rollable balls.

Swaps and Substitutions

Nut-free: Replace the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Dairy-free + vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder and dairy-free mini chocolate chips.
Pumpkin seeds: Walnuts or pecans also work great.
Pumpkin pie spice: If you don't have any premade pumpkin pie spice, just mix together 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of allspice.

Pumpkin protein balls in a bowl with pumpkin puree and pumpkin seeds on the side. One ball has a bite.

How to store

Fridge: Store the pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Freezer: Add the balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store them for up to 3 months. Let them soften up for about 5-10 minutes at room temperature before eating them.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of cashew butter do I use?

For this recipe, I used a creamy drippy cashew butter with no added salt or added sugar. If you use an almond butter with salt in it, omit it in this recipe, then salt to taste if needed after you taste the dough.

When should I eat protein balls?

You can eat protein balls anytime of day. These would make a great breakfast on the go, post workout snack, or dessert when you are craving something sweet.

How many calories in a pumpkin protein ball?

There are 105 calories in one of these pumpkin protein balls. Calorie content will vary based on the exact nut butter and protein powder that you use to make the recipe.

Can I use collagen instead of protein powder?

Yes, you can! You can use unflavoured collagen peptides in place of or alongside the protein powder. Adjust the ingredients accordingly. If you skip the protein powder, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

More protein bites recipes

Peanut butter Bliss Balls

Lamington Bliss Balls

Biscoff Protein Balls

If you try this pumpkin protein balls recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.