These White Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and convenient snack! Made with creamy white chocolate and pumpkin puree, they’re both sweet and healthy.
They’re perfect for a quick energy boost, and who can resist that pumpkin flavor? I like to keep a batch in the fridge for when I’m craving something yummy and good for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They are the base of your protein balls, giving them texture. Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option. You can also switch to quick oats if that’s all you have on hand.
Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree gives moisture and flavor. Canned puree is convenient, but homemade is also great! Just roast and blend pumpkin until smooth. If you’re in a pinch, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
Protein Powder: The protein powder is key for nutrition. Vanilla is my favorite for flavor, but you can use chocolate or even a plant-based option. Just make sure it’s a powder that mixes well.
White Chocolate Chips: These add sweetness and creaminess. If you prefer less sweetness, use dark chocolate chips or even yogurt-covered chips for a tangy twist!
Almond Flour: It adds nuttiness and helps bind. If you don’t have almond flour, you could use another nut flour, or even oat flour. Just ensure it has a fine consistency.
How Can I Make Sure the Protein Balls Aren’t Too Sticky?
A common issue is dealing with sticky dough. To avoid this, start by chilling the mixture before rolling it into balls. This helps firm it up! You can also adjust the texture by adding extra almond flour or oats if it feels too wet.
- First, mix dry ingredients completely so they absorb moisture evenly.
- Chill for 15-20 minutes after mixing to firm up the dough.
- When rolling, if it gets sticky, lightly wet your hands or sprinkle a little coconut flour to help roll them easily.
This should make your protein balls easier to handle while keeping them deliciously soft! Enjoy your snacks!
How to Make White Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup vanilla or plain protein powder
- 1/4 cup almond flour or finely ground nuts
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour for chilling. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing and rolling the balls, and then just let them chill in the fridge to set. Perfect for a quick, healthy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This will ensure even flavor in every bite!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, optional maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it feels a little wet; that’s what helps hold it together!
3. Incorporate the White Chocolate:
Gently fold in the melted white chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will add a lovely creamy sweetness to your protein balls.
4. Chill the Mixture:
Place the mixture into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling will help firm up the dough, making it much easier to form into balls.
5. Roll Into Balls:
After chilling, use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t stress about them being perfect; they’ll taste just as good no matter their shape!
6. Firm Up the Balls:
Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined tray, then refrigerate them for another 30 minutes to help them firm up even more.
7. Melt Additional White Chocolate:
While the balls are chilling, you can melt additional white chocolate chips in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth. This will be used for drizzling or dipping!
8. Drizzle or Dip the Balls:
Once the protein balls are chilled and firm, you can either drizzle the melted white chocolate over them or dip each ball halfway into the chocolate. After coating, return them to the parchment paper.
9. Add Toppings:
If desired, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate while it’s still wet for a decorative finish!
10. Final Chill:
Refrigerate again until the chocolate has fully set, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
11. Store and Enjoy:
Finally, store your delicious pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy them chilled as a nutritious snack anytime you need a little energy boost!
These protein balls are the perfect combination of pumpkin flavor and sweet white chocolate, making them a delightful treat that’s also good for you!
Can I Use Different Types of Protein Powder?
Absolutely! You can use any protein powder you prefer—vanilla, chocolate, or plant-based. Just keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change based on the powder you select.
What is the Best Way to Store These Protein Balls?
Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper and thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
Yes! To make these protein balls vegan, use a plant-based protein powder, replace the white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips, and swap honey for maple syrup.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you want to reduce the sweetness, simply omit the optional maple syrup or honey, or start with just half a tablespoon. You can always taste the mixture before rolling to see if you’d like to add more!