PUMPKIN PROTEIN BALLS
(MACRO-VERIFIED)
Protein
16G
Calories
150
Prep Time
15M
Bake Time
20M
These seasonal pumpkin spice protein balls are the perfect fall treat to fuel your day with a wholesome boost of nutrition. Packed with 16 grams of high-quality protein per serving, they're an excellent choice for post-workout recovery or a satisfying snack to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cozy, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy pumpkin base, resulting in bites that are both tender and chewy with a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistibly tempting without feeling overly indulgent. Ideal for meal prep, these protein balls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go option on busy mornings or after exercise. They are naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free oats and can be easily adapted to vegan diets by swapping in plant-based protein powder and sweeteners. For the best results, chill the mixture before rolling into balls to ensure they hold their shape well, and enjoy them as a nutritious snack any time you crave a taste of fall. All nutrition data is verified using USDA FoodData Central for accuracy.
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Includes shopping list (grams), freezer guide, and the substitution matrix PDF.
INGREDIENTS
ingredient(s) swapped
Hydration adjustment: ml liquid
-
Originally:
Swap with:
Nutrition Change (per serving):
Nutrition Facts
Updated with substitutions
20 servings per recipe
Serving size
1 bites
Amount per serving
Calories
150
Total Fat 6g
8%
Total Carbohydrate 17g
6%
Dietary Fiber 3g
11%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 16g
32%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Verified using USDA FoodData Central
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine oats, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
Mix in pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup.
Stir until dough forms.
Roll into 20 balls.
Refrigerate 1 hour until firm.
TROUBLESHOOTING
My bites are too dry
Try adding 1-2 tablespoons more liquid (milk, yogurt, or egg whites). Also ensure you're not over-measuring the protein powder - use the scoop and level method.
They didn't rise properly
Check your baking powder is fresh (test by adding to hot water - it should bubble vigorously). Also, don't overmix the batter as this can deflate the air bubbles.
The texture is rubbery
This usually means too much protein powder or overbaking. Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick.
SUBSTITUTIONS
| Original | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whey Protein | Casein, Plant Blend | May need +10ml liquid |
| Greek Yogurt | Cottage Cheese, Skyr | Blend smooth first |
| Egg Whites | Flax Egg, Aquafaba | For vegan option |
| Oat Flour | Almond Flour, Coconut Flour | Coconut: use 1/3 amount |
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