• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipe Index

Feasting not Fasting

Because life's too short to be hungry

  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Recipe Index
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Lunches
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sauces and Condiments
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Stews
  • By Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Blender
    • Crock Pot/Slow Cooker
    • Freezer
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
  • By Diet
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Keto
    • Low-Carb
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Appetizers
  • Baked Goods
  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
Home » Recipes » Snacks
No ratings yet

Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake Bites with Oat Flour)

November 7, 2023 by Christy Gurin | Rate Recipe

Pin Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Pin384
Share
Tweet
Yum
384 Shares

These easy pumpkin protein balls are quick to make, cute as can be, and have a smooth delectable texture. With rich vanilla and cinnamon flavor and only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, they’re the perfect seasonal snack to have on hand. Pumpkin pie spice, real pumpkin purée, creamy peanut butter, oat flour and protein powder come together with a few other simple ingredients to create a snack full of healthy fats for the fall season.

pumpkin balls on plate next to cinnamon sticks and real pumpkins

There’s something about fall season that triggers all things cozy, spice filled and comforting. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice latte lover or roll your eyes at the concept, you’ve gotta admit, nothing screams fall like cinnamon and pumpkin.

These no bake pumpkin protein balls perfectly fit the bill with pumpkin spice flavor and actual pumpkin packaged in the most adorable pumpkin shaped snack bites. Plus you can use the leftover canned pumpkin to make these oat flour pumpkin muffins!

Energy bites are a great treat alternative for days when you’d rather satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy snack than gorge on cookies. There’s a time and place for both in my opinion but some days, I just want to feel good, ya know?

These are a helpful post-workout snack, a little protein boost to go with breakfast, or a mid-afternoon pick me up. I am always looking for way to get more protein into my day and recommend pairing these with an apple, pear or other piece of fruit as a quick snack.

Here’s what you’ll love about this recipe:

  • Easy and fun to make
  • Only uses one bowl
  • Tasty pumkin spice fall flavor
  • Healthy and full of good for you ingredients
  • Naturally gluten-free with gluten-free oat flour
  • Easily vegan by swapping the honey and using plant based protein powder, and dairy free chocolate chips
Hand holding a pumpkin energy ball close up

Ingredients and Substitutions

The ingredients needed for this pumpkin protein ball recipe are pretty simple and are most likely already all in your pantry.

  • canned pumpkin – this adds both nutrition and a genuine pumpkin flavor and feel! I tested using more pumpkin and 1/3 cup really was the maximum threshold where the energy balls still tasted good. While I love the idea of adding more, I wouldn’t recommend adding much more than this. Or if you make your own, homemade pumpkin puree works great too!
  • peanut butter – I used a natural, unsalted peanut butter. You can substitute another nut butter (almond butter, cashew butter, etc.), or even sun butter or tahini to make them nut free.
  • oat flour⁠ – use store bought oat flour or make your own oat flour using a high speed blender.
  • vanilla or unflavored protein powder – either works! I tested the recipe with both and preferred the unflavored with added vanilla extract because my vanilla protein powder was too sweet. You can use whichever you prefer though and use less honey if your vanilla protein powder is too sweet too. I used a plant based pea protein powder in all of my tests but whey would work great if you prefer it.
  • honey – sweetens and helps stick everything together. You can substitute agave or maple syrup if needed.
  • pumpkin pie spice – this adds that pumpkin spice flavor we all love! If you don’t have a pre-mixed pumpkin spice, you add these spices instead: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/8 teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground clove.
  • vanilla extract⁠ – entirely optional and you can certainly omit if using vanilla protein powder.
  •  salt – just a pinch to hep balance the flavors, but again, this is optional.
labeled ingredients in bowls and measuring cups

Additional Ingredients and Substitutions

  • sugar – the sugar coating adds both visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness. Any kind of granular sugar works here. Choose whatever you have or prefer. I thought it was best with plain or raw sugar but coconut sugar works too.
  • cinnamon – ground cinnamon adds a touch more spice to the overall flavor profile.
  • chocolate chips⁠ – chocolate chips make the pumpkin stems. They also add a bit of chocolate and another bit of texture to each ball. Semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk or dark chocolate chips are all great options.

How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls

This might just be the easiest fall snack you try yet. With their fun shape, they’re a festive protein snack that can even sub in as a sweet fix if you’re trying not to indulge.

Here’s how to make them:

  1. Combine pumpkin, peanut butter, oat flour, protein powder, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a medium bowl and stir to mix together.
    bowl with pumpkin, oat flour, peanut butter and other unmixed ingredients bowl of pumpkin batter all mixed up with a spatula in it
  2. Scoop out approximately 16 small balls and use your hands to roll and place on a plate. (A small cookie scoop works great for scooping similar sized balls).
    Plate with lots of rolled pumpkin balls on it
  3. Cover and refrigerate balls for 15 minutes.*
  4. In a small separate bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon.
    bowl with cinnamon and sugar in it next to some pumpkins bowl with cinnamon and sugar mixed up next to some pumpkins and cinnamon sticks
  5. Remove balls from refrigerator and roll each one in cinnamon and sugar mixture and then place back on the plate.
    Hand rolling a pumpkin ball in small bowl of cinnamon sugar mixture
  6. Use a toothpick to create partial indentations on the sides of each ball to make them look like a pumpkin.
    Hand holding a pumpkin ball and making linear indentations into it with a toothpick
  7. Top each one with a chocolate chip to act as a stem and enjoy! Refrigerate leftover protein balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    plate with a bunch of pumpkin protein balls topped with chocolate chips on it

Variations

These pumpkin spice protein balls are tasty as written but here are some optional substitutions, variations and fun twists!

  • Peanut Butter Swaps: almond butter, cashew butter or whatever you prefer. To make nut free, you can use sunflower seed butter, or tahini. 
  • Make it Vegan: Use pure maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey, make sure to use plant-based protein powder and dairy free chocolate chips.
  • Add Texture: Replace some of the oat flour with chia seeds, hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, and/or some whole oats for extra texture and nutrition.
  • More Chocolate: Stir in some mini chocolate chips or use chocolate protein powder and less pumpkin spice for a chocolatey protein ball.
  • Add Nuts: Toasted pecans, crushed up and white chocolate chips would be a delicious combination.

Tips and Notes

Recipe Notes

Oat Flour: To make oat flour, blend ½ cup of rolled oats (old fashioned oats) in a blender or food processor for several minutes until it becomes a fine flour. Follow our guide on making homemade oat flour for more tips. Not all oats are gluten-free so be sure to use oats that are labeled gluten free if needed.

Protein Powder: if using vanilla flavored protein powder, omit the vanilla extract and if protein powder is already sweetened, adjust honey to your preference.

Pumpkin Spice Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/8 teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground clove

Skipping Refrigeration Step: I tested the recipe both with and without refrigerating the dough first. Refrigeration helps the pumpkin balls maintain their cute pumpkin shape. It also makes the toothpick indentations on the sides cleaner since sticky batter sticks to the toothpick more.

If your pumpkin and peanut butter were refrigerated and cold to start with you can skip this step. If you’re unsure if your dough is cold enough, try making indentations with a toothpick and see if they come out cleanly or if dough chunks stick to the tooth pick.

Too Sticky: Textures and absorbency of the protein powder and peanut butter will affect the consistency of your pumpkin balls. If the dough has too much moisture and is wet and sticky, work a little bit (1-2 Tablespoons) more oat flour or whole oats in with your hands until the dough doesn’t stick to your hands and is easy to roll.

Too Dry and Won’t Stick Together: Add a tiny splash of water or almond milk (1-2 Tablespoons) and work in with a spoon or your hands, adding liquid slowly until it sticks together and you’re able to form balls.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator Storage: store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend storing at room temperature for more than a few hours or they will soften and won’t maintain their shape.

Freezer Storage: freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours to overnight or on the countertop for 45 minutes to an hour.

More Protein Ball Recipes

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Pecan Pie Energy Balls

pumpkin energy ball with a bite taken out of it on a plate next to more protein balls
More

Pumpkin Recipes

  • Triangular scones with glaze drizzled on top, cooling on a wire rack with some glaze drips on the surface below.

    Easy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Scones

  • A hand holding a partially eaten muffin against a plain background.

    Oat Flour Pumpkin Muffins (Gluten-Free)

  • Sliced pumpkin bread with glaze on a black tray, accompanied by a glass of milk with a straw and a knife nearby.

    Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread with Orange Glaze

  • bowl of roasted pumpkin seeds on white background

    20 Minute Easy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

Recipe
wide view of pumpkin protein balls on a plate
Recipe
No ratings yet
click the stars to rate!

Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Bake Bites with Oat Flour)

Created by: Christy Gurin
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Chill Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
16
Pumpkin protein balls that are adorable, easy to make, satisfying, and full of healthy ingredients and festive fall pumpkin spice flavor.
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons set
  • 1 Medium bowl
  • 1 Rubber spatula
  • 1 Toothpick
  • 1 Small bowl

Ingredients
 

Protein Ball Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter see notes for substitutions
  • ½ cup oat flour⁠*
  • ¼ cup unflavored protein powder see notes for using vanilla or sweetened protein powder
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice see notes for substitution
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract⁠ optional, omit if using vanilla protein powder
  • Pinch salt optional

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. sugar coconut or raw sugar is fine here
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • 16 chocolate chips⁠

Instructions

  • Combine pumpkin, peanut butter, oat flour, protein powder, honey, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a medium bowl and stir to mix together.
  • Scoop out approximately 16 small balls and use your hands to roll and place on a plate. (A small cookie scooper works great for scooping similar sized balls).
  • Cover and refrigerate balls for 15 minutes.*
  • In a small separate bowl, mix 2 Tbsp. sugar with 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. Remove balls from refrigerator and roll each one in cinnamon and sugar mixture and then place back on the plate.
  • Use a toothpick to create partial indentations on the sides of each ball to make them look like a pumpkin.
  • Top each one with a chocolate chip to act as a stem and enjoy! Refrigerate leftover protein balls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

Peanut Butter Swaps: almond butter, cashew butter or whatever you prefer. To make nut free, you can use sun butter, or tahini. 
Oat Flour: To make oat flour, blend ½ cup of rolled oats in a blender or food processor for several minutes until it becomes a fine flour. Follow our guide on making homemade oat flour for more tips. Not all oats are gluten-free so be sure to use oats that are labeled gluten free if needed.
To Make Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey, make sure to use plant based protein powder and dairy free chocolate chips.
Protein Powder: if using vanilla flavored protein powder, omit the vanilla extract and if protein powder is already sweetened, adjust honey to your preference.
Pumpkin Spice Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/8 teaspoon each of ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground clove.
Skipping Refrigeration Step: If your pumpkin and peanut butter were cold to start with you can skip this step. The purpose is till make the toothpick indentations (step 5) clean so you can attempt that first to determine if you need to refrigerate or not.
Too Sticky: If your balls are too wet and sticky, work a little bit (1-2 Tablespoons) more oat flour or whole oats in with your hands until the dough doesn’t stick to your hands and is easy to roll.
Too Dry and Won’t Stick Together: Add a tiny splash of water or almond milk (1-2 Tablespoons) and work in with a spoon or your hands, adding liquid slowly until it sticks together and you’re able to roll balls that stay together.
Refrigerator Storage: store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage: freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the countertop for 45 minutes – 1 hour before eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ball | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

did you make this recipe?

Make sure to follow on Pinterest @feastingnotfasting and on Instagram @feastingnotfasting

posted in: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grains, Meal Prep, No Cooking, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian

Previous
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas (best easy healthy recipe)
Next
Perfect Easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice (No Burn Notice!)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you post a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. I read every review and your support means a lot to me!

Sincerely,
Christy

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

A person with long hair and a striped dress smiles while holding a pan outside. There is greenery in the background.

Hi, I'm Christy

I started cooking, baking, and helping in the kitchen when I was old enough to reach the counter. I am a food lover with a focus on quick and easy dinners using wholesome ingredients that are approachable for the home chef. If you crave flavor but always find yourself short on time, you’re in the right place.

More About Me
almond flour blueberry muffin on a plate with bite taken out

Simple healthy recipes straight to your inbox!

Subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest recipes delivered straight to you.

Sign up

Featured Recipes

  • A bowl of Mediterranean salad with grilled vegetables, feta cheese, pine nuts, and fresh herbs on a striped cloth.
    Mediterranean-Style Roasted Eggplant Salad with Feta 
  • A spoon rests in a bowl filled with a reddish-brown spice mix, containing visible flecks of different textures.
    Chicken Taco Seasoning
  • close up picture of kale salad on a white plate
    Lemon Kale Salad
  • A skewer with melon, prosciutto, mozzarella, pesto, and balsamic glaze on a white plate.
    Prosciutto Melon Skewers
  • Baked pear halves with nuts and cranberries on black plates, surrounded by a honey dipper, whole pear, and silver spoon on a wooden table.
    Baked Pears with Honey and Almonds
  • A tall glass of purple smoothie topped with seeds, placed on a white napkin. A metal spoon with seeds is in the background. A polka dot straw is in the glass.
    Beet Smoothie with Strawberries and Kale
Allure Logo.
Boston Mag Logo.
Buzzfeed Logo.
Glamour Logo.
Healthline Logo.
The Huffington Post Logo.
MSN Logo.
sheknows Logo.
almond flour blueberry muffin on a plate with bite taken out

Simple healthy recipes straight to your inbox!

Feasting Not Fasting

About

  • About
  • Blog
  • Web Stories
  • Contact Us
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Collaboration

By Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Slow Cooker
  • Freezer
  • Instant Pot
  • Oven
  • Stovetop

By Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Keto
  • Low-Carb
  • Meal Prep
  • Paleo
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

By Course

  • Appetizers
  • Baked Goods
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Lunches
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads
  • Side Dishes
©2025, Feasting not Fasting. About Contact Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

Simple healthy recipes straight to your inbox!

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required