These tasty Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls are a fun and healthy snack! Packed with pumpkin, nut butter, and protein, they’re full of flavor and energy.
They’re super easy to make; just mix, roll, and enjoy. I love taking them on the go or having one as a sweet treat after a workout. Such a win! 👍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can substitute with butternut squash puree or other squash varieties.
Almond Flour: This gives a nice nutty flavor and a soft texture. If you have nut allergies, try coconut flour or sunflower seed flour, but reduce the quantity as they absorb more liquid.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is a great choice, but any nut or seed butter like cashew or sunflower seed works well. I prefer almond butter for its creamy texture and taste!
Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder: This adds protein without dairy. If you don’t have it, any paleo-approved protein powder will work. You might experiment with vanilla protein powder for extra flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Mini dark chocolate chips are a treat, but you can leave them out or use chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch instead.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Your Protein Balls?
Getting the perfect texture is key for these pumpkin protein balls. You want them to be sticky yet firm enough to hold their shape. Follow these steps:
- Start with mashed pumpkin puree. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.
- Add your nut butter slowly to blend well with the pumpkin.
- Gradually incorporate almond flour and protein powder, adjusting the amount as needed for desired consistency.
- The mixture shouldn’t be too wet; if it is, a bit more flour or a touch of coconut flour can help balance it.
Chill the balls in the fridge; this will help them firm up beautifully!
How to Make Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seed protein powder (or any paleo-friendly protein powder)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (paleo-friendly)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have delicious snacks ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This is the base of your protein balls!
2. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Add in the almond flour, pumpkin seed protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, shredded coconut, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky, which is just what you want.
3. Incorporate the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini dark chocolate chips, being careful not to break them. This is optional, but I think it adds a nice sweet touch!
4. Form the Balls:
Using your hands or a small scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. The mixture may feel sticky, so wetting your hands slightly can help.
5. Roll in Coconut (Optional):
If you like, roll some or all of the balls in extra shredded coconut for an added bit of sweetness and texture. They look great this way!
6. Chill and Store:
Place the protein balls on a lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and hold their shape better. Once chilled, store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Enjoy your homemade Paleo Pumpkin Protein Balls as a tasty snack or a satisfying post-workout treat. They’re nutritious, delicious, and perfect for any time of day!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin Instead of Fresh Pumpkin?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a great option and is often more convenient. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and unsweetened for the best results!
What If My Mixture is Too Sticky?
If the mixture feels too sticky to form into balls, you can add a little more almond flour or protein powder gradually. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I Use Another Type of Nut Butter?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter with any nut or seed butter you prefer, such as cashew butter or sunflower seed butter. Just keep in mind that different nut butters will slightly change the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store any leftover paleo pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
