These salted caramel pumpkin protein balls are a tasty snack for anytime! Made with pumpkin puree, oats, and a hint of caramel, they’re both sweet and satisfying.
I love grabbing one of these when I’m on the go or need a pick-me-up. They’re like little bites of fall that keep my energy up, and they work great for sharing too! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They give these protein balls a hearty base. If you’re gluten-free, you can use certified gluten-free oats or even ground almonds for a different texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. It’s a fun project, and you can control the texture!
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder enhances flavor, but feel free to use any protein powder you like, including plant-based options. Adjust sweetness accordingly if you choose a flavored protein.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is creamy and flavorful, but peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunbutter (for nut allergies) also work wonderfully!
Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a nice depth of flavor, but honey or agave syrup are great alternatives as well. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Chocolate Chips: Mini dark chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness. You can also substitute with white chocolate chips, carob chips, or leave them out if you’re looking for a lower-calorie treat.
How Do I Get the Perfect Dough for Protein Balls?
Getting the right consistency in your dough is key! If your mixture feels too wet and sticky, simply add more rolled oats a tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable. On the flip side, if it seems too dry and crumbly, a splash of pumpkin puree or a drop of nut butter can help bring it together.
- Mix all wet ingredients well before combining them with dry ingredients.
- Once added, fold the dry ingredients gently until fully incorporated.
- The dough should stick together when rolled, but not be too sticky to handle.
Remember, make adjustments based on the humidity or dryness of your environment. Trust your instincts, and you’ll nail it every time!
How to Make Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This satisfying recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy snack that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until smooth. This forms the flavorful base of your protein balls!
2. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until you have a thick, dough-like consistency. If your mixture is too sticky, add a bit more oats; if it’s too dry, add a little splash of pumpkin puree to get it just right.
3. Add Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This is what gives your protein balls a sweet surprise in every bite!
4. Shape the Protein Balls:
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a plate or tray, leaving some space between each one.
5. Drizzle and Garnish:
Drizzle the protein balls with caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. You can also add a few extra chocolate chips for a nice decorative touch!
6. Chill to Firm Up:
Pop the protein balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm them up. This step helps them hold their shape and makes them extra delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve your protein balls either straight from the fridge or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long!
These salted caramel pumpkin protein balls are a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and nutritious. Enjoy a bite of fall anytime you like!
Can I Use Pumpkin Spice Instead of Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Absolutely! If you have pumpkin spice on hand, it can be used as a substitute for pumpkin pie spice, as they are quite similar. Just be mindful of the quantity; start with the same amount and adjust to taste!
How Long Can I Store These Protein Balls?
You can store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, consider freezing them—just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer!
Can I Add Different Mix-Ins?
Certainly! Feel free to customize your protein balls with mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even seeds like chia or flaxseeds. Just be mindful of the overall texture so they still hold together well!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Butter?
No worries! You can use any nut or seed butter you have on hand, such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free option). Each will bring a unique flavor to your protein balls!