These date-sweetened pumpkin protein balls are a tasty treat! They mix soft pumpkin with wholesome dates, making them naturally sweet and healthy.
Perfect for a quick snack or an energy boost, I love popping one in my mouth before workouts. They’re like little bites of autumn happiness! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dates: These are crucial for sweetness and binding the mixture. If you can’t find dates, you can use dried figs or prunes, but they will slightly change the flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient, but homemade pumpkin puree works well, too. Just ensure it’s unsweetened. If pumpkin isn’t available, you might substitute it with mashed sweet potato.
Rolled Oats: They provide structure. Quick oats are a fine substitute, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t blend well. You can also use gluten-free oats if needed.
Almond Flour: This adds a nice texture and healthy fats. If almond flour isn’t at hand, you can use ground walnuts or pecans for a different taste, or even more rolled oats for a nut-free option.
Protein Powder: A scoop of vanilla adds flavor and nutrition. If you’d rather avoid it, you can substitute with more almond flour, but this may change the texture slightly.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for the Protein Balls?
Getting the right texture is key to making these protein balls enjoyable. The mixture should hold together well without being too sticky or too dry. Here’s how to achieve that:
- When mixing, start with the dates and ensure they’re well processed into a sticky paste. This helps bind everything.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients; this lets you gauge the mixture’s texture. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour or oats.
- If the mixture is dry and crumbly, a splash of water or more pumpkin puree helps. Just add a little at a time.
- When rolling into balls, if they seem too sticky, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Chilling the balls will help them firm up nicely – don’t skip this step!
Enjoy your pumpkin protein balls as a simple and healthy snack that’s full of flavor!
Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time for these delightful pumpkin protein balls is about 15 minutes. After rolling them, let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Overall, you can have these tasty snacks ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dates:
Start by placing the pitted dates in a food processor. Pulse them until they are finely chopped and start to form a sticky paste. This will help bind all your ingredients together.
2. Mix in the Pumpkin:
Next, add the unsweetened pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the dates in the processor. Pulse everything together until the mixture is combined well.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add in the rolled oats, almond flour, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Pulse all the ingredients together until they are well mixed and start to stick together. If you find the mixture is too wet, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour or oats. If it feels too dry, add a tiny splash of water or more pumpkin puree.
4. Roll the Balls:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls with your hands. You can make them as big or small as you like! It can be helpful to wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
5. Coat with Coconut:
For an extra touch, roll each ball in some additional shredded coconut to coat lightly for a nice finish.
6. Chill to Firm Up:
Place your protein balls on a plate or tray and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up nicely.
7. Storage:
Once chilled, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later!
Enjoy these wholesome, naturally sweet pumpkin protein balls as a nutritious snack or energy boost anytime! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweeteners Instead of Dates?
Yes! You can substitute dates with other sweeteners such as agave syrup, honey (if not vegan), or maple syrup. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of dry ingredients to compensate for the added moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use plant-based protein powder. Ensure that any sweetener or additional ingredients you choose are also vegan.
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just allow them to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to personalize the protein balls. Adjust the amount of dry ingredients slightly if needed to keep the right texture.