These Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Protein Balls are a tasty and healthy snack! Packed with pumpkin, oats, and sweet dates, they’re perfect for a quick energy boost.
I love how easy they are to make—just mix, roll, and enjoy! These little bites are great for grab-and-go moments or just a sweet treat when you need a pick-me-up. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Medjool Dates: These are perfect for natural sweetness. If they’re hard to find, you can substitute with other dried fruits like raisins or figs, but expect a different flavor. I love the stickiness of Medjool dates for binding!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use regular pumpkin puree, not pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices. If you lack canned, fresh pumpkin is great—just cook and puree it. It’s a bit more work, but worth it for the fresh taste!
Rolled Oats: These provide texture and heartiness. Quick oats can also work, but they’ll make the protein balls a bit softer. For a gluten-free version, choose oats labeled gluten-free.
Almond Flour: This gives a nice nutty flavor. You can substitute with oat flour or all-purpose flour if needed, but almond flour keeps the balls moist and adds healthy fats.
Pumpkin Seeds: These add crunch and nutrients. If you’re allergic or don’t like them, sunflower seeds or chopped nuts are great alternatives. You could also leave them out entirely.
How Do I Ensure My Protein Balls Hold Together?
The trick to binding your protein balls is getting the right consistency! When mixing, if it feels too sticky, you might not have enough dry ingredients; add more oats or almond flour. Conversely, if it’s too crumbly, add a touch more pumpkin puree or a splash of water. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened Medjool dates to help them blend better.
- Pulse the mixture until it sticks together; don’t over-process it into paste.
- When rolling into balls, ensure they’re compact. Press them firmly to hold their shape.
After refrigerating, they’ll firm up nicely. Enjoy your snack making!
How to Make Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour or ground almonds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), plus extra for garnish
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour in the fridge for the protein balls to firm up. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dates:
Start by placing the pitted Medjool dates in a food processor. Blend them until they form a sticky paste. This is what helps bind the protein balls together. Make sure they’re well-pulsed—no chunks please!
2. Combining with Pumpkin:
Next, add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the date paste. Blend again until everything is nicely mixed together. You want it to be smooth and creamy.
3. Mixing in the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rolled oats, almond flour, protein powder, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Pulse the mixture until it starts to come together. The texture should be thick and moldable, but not too wet. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more oats or almond flour; if it’s too dry, add a smidgen more pumpkin puree or a drop of water.
4. Forming the Balls:
Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to shape it into a ball. Press a few pumpkin seeds onto each one for a cute garnish, if you like. They’ll look great and add a bit of extra crunch!
5. Chilling Time:
Place the protein balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and pop them in the fridge. Let them chill for at least 1 hour so they firm up nicely. This step is essential for achieving that perfect bite!
6. Storing Your Snack:
Once they’ve set, transfer the protein balls to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just grab one whenever you need a healthy snack on the go!
Enjoy your naturally sweet, nutrient-packed pumpkin protein balls as a perfect grab-and-go snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Dates?
Yes, you can use other types of dates, but Medjool dates are ideal for their soft texture and sweetness. If using drier varieties like Deglet Noor, you may need to soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before processing.
How Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
If you want to keep the recipe vegan, simply use a plant-based protein powder. Everything else in the recipe is already vegan-friendly!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Absolutely! You can use oat flour, coconut flour, or even all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe if you use it.
How Long Do These Last in the Freezer?
These protein balls can be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!