Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

A Delicious and Nutritious Treat Even In Summer

There’s no need to wait until the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp; there’s nothing quite like indulging in pumpkin spice’s warm, cozy flavors, even in summer. If you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed snack this season, look no further than pumpkin spice protein balls. These delightful bites combine the rich taste of pumpkin pie spice with the nutritional benefits of dates, pumpkin seeds, granola, protein powder, nut butter, and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a post-workout snack, a midday pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, these protein balls are as versatile as they are delicious.

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Why Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls?

Ingredients in this recipe can be substituted to create different flavors like vanilla, chocolate-peanut butter, etc. However, pumpkin spice protein balls are my favorite because they’re tasty and nutritious. Here’s why you should consider adding them to your snack repertoire:

1. High in Protein: Thanks to the protein powder and nut butter, these balls are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Rich in Fiber: Dates, granola, and pumpkin seeds provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and keeps you full longer.
3. Healthy Fats: Nut butter and pumpkin seeds contribute healthy fats that are crucial for brain health and energy.
4. Antioxidants: Pumpkin pie spice and dark chocolate chips are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and boost overall health.
5. Natural Sweeteners: Dates and mini chocolate chips offer natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the ingredients and their benefits:

• Dates: A natural sweetener that also adds a chewy texture. Rich in fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and zinc. They add a satisfying crunch.
• Granola: Provides additional texture and flavor. Opt for a low-sugar, high-fiber variety.
• Protein Powder: Choose your favorite protein powder, whether it’s whey, plant-based, or collagen.
• Nut Butter: Almond, peanut, walnut, or cashew butter works well. Nut butter adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that gives these balls their signature flavor.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds a touch of indulgence. Opt for dark chocolate for added health benefits.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Ball Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates (approximately 15 dates)
• 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup granola (I use Kind Brand Cinnamon flavor)
• 1/4 cup protein powder (I use 2 scoops SunWarrior Vanilla)
• 1/4 cup nut butter (I use Maple Walnut Butter)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

All amounts can be varied based on taste preference.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Ball Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates: Soak the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will soften them, making them easier to blend.
2. Blend Ingredients: Combine the soaked dates and pumpkin seeds in a food processor. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms. Add the granola, protein powder, nut butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
3. Add Chocolate Chips: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips or roll the formed protein balls in the chocolate chips.
4. Form the Balls: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands slightly with water.
5. Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Store: Once the balls are firm, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

1. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter snack, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
2. Consistency Matters: If the mixture is too dry, add a little more nut butter or a splash of water. If it’s too wet, add more protein powder or granola.
3. Customize Your Mix-Ins: For extra nutrition and variety, add other mix-ins like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dried cranberries.
4. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor and nutritional value of your protein balls will significantly depend on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for organic and minimally processed options when possible.
5. Portion Control: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized balls. This not only helps with portion control but also ensures even chilling.

Health Benefits of Protein Balls

Making pumpkin spice protein balls a regular part of your diet can offer several health benefits:

• Boosts Energy: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars provides a sustained energy boost, making them ideal pre- or post-workout snacks.
• Supports Muscle Recovery: The protein content helps repair and build muscles after exercise.
• Promotes Digestive Health: The high fiber content of dates, granola, and pumpkin seeds aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Enhances Mood: Dark chocolate and nut butter, with their serotonin-boosting properties, can help improve mood and reduce stress.

Summary

Pumpkin spice protein balls are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fall flavors while fueling your body with essential nutrients, even in summer. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking, they are a versatile addition to your healthy eating routine. Combining dates, pumpkin seeds, granola, protein powder, nut butter, pumpkin pie spice, and mini chocolate chips creates a snack that’s satisfying and beneficial for your overall health.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your workout recovery, enjoy a tasty treat without guilt, or indulge in the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, these protein balls are the perfect solution. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s as delightful in summer as the fall season itself.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

diaryofaselfhelpaddict

Whether you're looking to enhance your workout recovery, enjoy a tasty treat without guilt, or indulge in the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, these protein balls are the perfect solution.

Print Recipe

10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Snack

Servings 12 protein balls

Equipment

• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup pitted dates approximately 15 dates
• 1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup granola I use Kind Brand Cinnamon flavor
• 1/4 cup protein powder I use 2 scoops SunWarrior Vanilla
• 1/4 cup nut butter I use Maple Walnut Butter
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dates: Start by soaking the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will soften them, making them easier to blend.
• Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked dates and pumpkin seeds. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms. Add the granola, protein powder, nut butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
• Add Chocolate Chips: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the mini chocolate chips.
• Form the Balls: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form a ball. If the mixture is too sticky, dampen your hands slightly with water.
• Chill: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
• Store: Once the balls are firm, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Notes

You may vary ingredient amounts to your preference. 

Keyword date balls, healthy snack, meal replacement, protein balls, protein powder, pumpkin seeds

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