No-bake, cozy fall flavor, packed with protein!
Hey there!
These Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls are basically little bites of fall in your mouth—and they take, like, 10 minutes to make.
They’re soft, sweet, a little nutty, and they give you a good boost of energy without needing to fire up the oven.
I love making a batch of these at the beginning of the week and just grabbing one when I need a snack.
Also? They taste way more like dessert than health food.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe reminds me of chilly mornings in my favorite hoodie, hands wrapped around a mug of coffee, and the smell of cinnamon in the air. It’s super quick, super cozy, and I always have the ingredients on hand.
Here’s why I keep making these on repeat:
- No baking!
- Tastes like a pumpkin spice cookie.
- Balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- They freeze beautifully.
Makes:
12–14 balls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
No baking required
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Protein powder + nut butter = structure and protein boost.
- Pumpkin purée adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Chia seeds act like little binders when they absorb moisture.
- Oats give it texture and bulk.
It’s like a protein bar, but fluffier and way better tasting.
🍽 Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast on-the-go with coffee.
- Pre-workout snack.
- Afternoon pick-me-up at your desk.
- Add to a charcuterie board for a cozy fall twist!
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée (they’re not the same).
- Skipping the protein powder—it affects both flavor and texture.
- Not mixing enough; everything needs to be really combined so they hold shape.
- Not chilling the dough—makes them sticky and hard to roll.
🧡 What to Serve With
- Hot coffee with cinnamon.
- Vanilla protein shake.
- Greek yogurt bowl with fruit.
- A cozy chai latte.
🥄 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Airtight container for storage
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla
- Swap pecans for mini chocolate chips or walnuts
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist
- Make it nut-free with sunflower seed butter
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
You can make the mixture up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and roll into balls when you’re ready.
They also freeze great! Just let them thaw for a few minutes before eating.
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup pumpkin purée, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth and combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, and 1/4 tsp salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Place the bowl in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This makes the mixture easier to roll.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture. Roll between your palms into 1.5-inch balls.
🥶 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
💬 FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Nope—stick to rolled oats. Steel-cut won’t soften properly and will be too chewy.
What if my mixture is too dry?
Add a spoon of peanut butter or a splash of maple syrup.
Can I use a different protein powder?
Totally. Just know different powders absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust a bit.
Do I have to chill the dough?
It’s not 100% required, but it really helps with rolling and texture.
🧡 Final Thoughts
If you love cozy fall flavors but don’t want to bake, this one’s for you. These protein balls are easy, tasty, and totally satisfying. I’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment and let me know if you added your own twist!