Easy Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls Recipe with Chocolate Drizzle
These pumpkin spice protein balls are a quick, wholesome, and cozy snack with a soft chew and a bittersweet chocolate drizzle, perfect for anytime snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats (old-fashioned recommended)
- ½ cup (120g) pumpkin puree (plain, not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup (60g) nut butter (creamy almond or peanut butter, natural and unsweetened preferred)
- ¼ cup (30g) vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30g) mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Optional add-ins: 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to place the finished protein balls. (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed. (3 minutes)
- Add pumpkin puree, nut butter, and maple syrup to the dry mixture. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly until sticky and slightly glossy. Add more pumpkin puree if too dry. (5 minutes)
- Fold in optional add-ins like chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or shredded coconut if using. (1 minute)
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls using hands or a small cookie scoop, about 12-14 balls. Place evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Wet hands or dust with oats if mixture sticks. (7 minutes)
- Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. (30 minutes)
- Melt chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring between until smooth. (5 minutes)
- Drizzle melted chocolate over chilled protein balls using a spoon or piping bag for a neat finish. (5 minutes)
- Return the tray to the fridge for another 10 minutes to set the chocolate. Then serve. (10 minutes)
Notes
Use old-fashioned oats for best texture. Let nut butter and pumpkin puree come to room temperature for easier mixing. Chill mixture before rolling if too sticky. Melt chocolate gently to avoid burning. If mixture is too wet, add oats or protein powder; if too dry, add almond milk or pumpkin puree. Can bake balls briefly at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for a warm treat but watch to avoid drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 protein ball
- Calories: 90100
- Fat: 45
- Carbohydrates: 1012
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 56
Keywords: pumpkin spice, protein balls, healthy snacks, chocolate drizzle, autumn snack, quick snack, gluten-free option, vegetarian