Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe (No Bake Energy Bites)

Pumpkin Protein Balls are the perfect on the go snack made with dates, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter, and rolled oats. This is an easy treat that’s full of pumpkin flavor! 

Pumpkin Protein Balls definitely don’t have to be a fall only recipe! These little bites are great any time of the year to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

If you love the combination of pumpkin and rolled oats, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Oatmeal. And, you definitely don’t want to miss Pumpkin Spice Truffles or Pumpkin Biscotti – a perfect sized treat that tastes just like pumpkin pie!

Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

Pumpkin Protein Balls are a delicious and fun treat that’s both hunger satisfying and slightly sweet. This is a great on-the-go snack that’s has three grams of protein per ball and is perfect for the fall season. 

This is a great base pumpkin protein ball recipe and you can add whatever mix ins you’d like. My kids love them as an after school snack or have two for a quick breakfast.

No bake pumpkin protein balls get their name from their round packaging and that you can get a dose of protein and other nutrients from each ball. I like them because they are simple to make and really satisfy those hunger cravings.  

So simple to make, no baking required! You’ll love that these pumpkin protein balls are full of protein and good stuff, with a bit of sweetness from the chocolate. 

You’ll Love these Pumpkin Protein Balls! 

Easy to make and full of pumpkin spice flavor, you’ll love this recipe! Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect treat for pumpkin season. 

This is a great recipe to use up leftover pumpkin puree. You’ll only need ½ a cup so it’s perfect for getting your pumpkin fix. 

This is a great no bake recipe that comes together in just minutes. Plus, if you make it in the food processor, it’s even easier to do. 

​Pumpkin protein bites are a great snack to have around if you love all things pumpkin. Give this recipe a try, you’re going to love it! 

Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. To make pumpkin protein balls, you’ll need: 

• Rolled Oats (use gluten-free if necessary): make sure you are using old-fashioned oats and not quick cooking variety. 
• Peanut Butter: use a creamy peanut butter (like an all natural). You can also use creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. 
• Honey: honey gives a great sweetness. You can substitute agave nectar or pure maple syrup if you’d like. 
• Mini Chocolate Chips: the chocolate chips add a sweet and special touch, but feel free to omit if you are watching your sugar intake. 
• Pumpkin Puree: make sure you are using real pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. 
• Dates: pitted medjool dates really help to sweeten up the recipe. 
• Pumpkin Spice: use pumpkin pie spice or a combination of spices listed in the recipe card. 
• Ground Flaxseed (optional): the flaxseed is option but adds a hearty flavor. You could substitute chia seeds. 

How to Make Pumpkin Protein Balls 

These pumpkin energy balls come together quick with no baking required. I recommend making this using a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. 

No food processor? You could make this in a large mixing bowl, just be sure to dice the dates well before adding. 

​Step 1: combine ingredients

In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, dates, honey, flaxseed, and pumpkin pie spice. 

Step 2: mix ingredients

Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are well combined but not finely ground. The mixture will stick together and form one large piece. 

Step 3: add in chocolate chips

​Add in the mini chocolate chips and pulse just to combine but not break up the chips. Carefully remove the blade from the food processor. 

Step 4: roll into balls and chill

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon to roll out 24 balls. Place on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.  

Refrigerate balls for at least 20 minutes before serving. Store leftover pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week. 

Recipe Tips

• If your hands get sticky when rolling, just run under cold water or spray with some cooking spray.
• You can store energy balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Also, if you’re taking them for lunch or snack, no need to worry about keeping them refrigerated. 
• You could freeze pumpkin protein balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. Then, just take them out when you’re ready to snack. 
• Love energy balls? Then be sure to check out these Carrot Coconut Energy Balls that taste just like carrot cake. And, of course you don’t want to miss out on the classic Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls without Dates made with mini chocolate chips.

Can I Make this with Protein Powder? 

Protein powder is a great way to get extra protein in your pumpkin protein balls. Add in your favorite vanilla protein powder to really amp up the protein in this recipe. 

​To do so, substitute 1 cup of protein powder for 1 cup of the rolled oats and prep as usual. You can also use a chocolate protein powder or any plant-based protein powder you have. 

More Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin recipes don’t have to be made only in the fall. Be sure to check out these delicious recipes using pumpkin puree that are perfect year round!