These Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites are the perfect treat for a pick-me-up! With delicious pumpkin, spices, and a boost of protein, they’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-tasty.
Plus, they’re super easy to make! Just mix everything together, roll them into balls, and you’ll be enjoying these tasty bites in no time. They’re great for snack attacks or post-workout fuel!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are great for adding texture and fiber. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin or make your own by cooking and pureeing fresh pumpkin. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Nut Butter: Almond butter is fantastic, but feel free to substitute with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Protein Powder: Vanilla whey protein is my favorite here, but any flavored or unflavored protein powder will work. You can also use a plant-based alternative if you prefer!
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor but feel free to use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar-free alternative if you’re watching sugar intake.
Spices: I recommend pumpkin pie spice for the full fall flavor, but you can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if that’s what you have on hand.
Shredded Coconut: This adds a nice texture and a bit of sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can roll the bites in crushed nuts or cocoa powder instead.
How Can I Get The Right Consistency for the Mixture?
Getting the right dough consistency is key to shaping perfect bites. Start by combining your dry ingredients well, then slowly mix in your wet ingredients. If it feels too sticky, don’t panic! Just add a bit more oats. If it seems too dry, a bit more pumpkin or almond butter will help.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is combined into a sticky, moldable dough.
- Test it out! It should hold together well enough to form balls without falling apart.
- Remember, cooling the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes also helps everything bind together nicely.
Enjoy making these Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites and make them your own by tweaking the ingredients to fit your taste! Happy snacking!
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
- 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder (or plant-based protein powder)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2-3 tablespoons white icing or yogurt drizzle for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and then 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In under an hour, you’ll have a tasty and healthy snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together with a spoon until well mixed—this will be your dry mix!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another smaller bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will be your wet mixture!
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything well until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too wet, gently mix in a bit more oats. If it’s too dry, add a little bit more pumpkin or almond butter to get the right consistency.
4. Roll into Bites:
With clean hands, grab some of the mixture and roll it into small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or tray.
5. Coat with Coconut:
Take each ball and roll it in the extra shredded coconut to give it that snowball look. It adds a nice finish and extra flavor!
6. Chill the Bites:
Put the tray of bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up so they hold their shape.
7. Drizzle (Optional):
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can drizzle some white icing or yogurt over the top of the bites just before serving for a decorative touch.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Keep your pumpkin protein snowball bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They make a great snack for when you need a little boost or perfect post-workout fuel!
These bites blend pumpkin’s cozy flavors with protein and healthy fats—ideal for satisfying fall cravings!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they may result in a slightly different texture. Quick oats absorb moisture faster, so you may need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to achieve the right consistency for rolling.
How Long Do These Bites Last in the Fridge?
The pumpkin protein snowball bites will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them sealed to maintain their texture and flavor!
Can I Substitute the Almond Butter?
Absolutely! You can swap almond butter for other nut butters like peanut or cashew, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just be mindful of the flavor changes that may occur!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the bites. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
