Pumpkin Protein Balls – Gluten-Free, Vegan & No-Bake Snack

Photo of author
Author: Adam
Published:

🎉 Introduction

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are the perfect healthy snack when you want something quick, nourishing, and naturally satisfying. Soft, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein, they’re ideal for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a sweet bite without guilt.

Made with real pumpkin purée, warm pumpkin spice, and creamy almond butter, these no-bake bites deliver cozy fall flavor in every bite—while staying gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, and pork-free. Best of all, they come together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients and require no oven at all.


🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking sheet or plate
  • Parchment paper

🛒 Ingredients

Wholesome ingredients for clean, plant-based energy.

Base

  • 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 scoops vanilla plant-based protein powder

Flavor & Texture

  • ⅓ cup pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (vegan replacement for honey)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk (if mixture is too thick)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these simple steps for perfect pumpkin protein balls.


Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and protein powder.
  • Stir until evenly blended.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

  • Add pumpkin purée, almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
  • Mix until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Adjust Texture

  • If the mixture feels too dry, add plant-based milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Roll into Balls

  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.
  • Roll between your palms to form smooth balls.
  • Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.

Step 5: Chill

  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Enjoy chilled or straight from the fridge.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 10–12 protein balls
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~40 minutes

Perfect for snacks, breakfast on-the-go, or meal prep.


🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw for a few minutes before eating.

Reheating

  • Not needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

🥄 Variations

Customize your pumpkin protein balls:

  • Chocolate Lovers
    • Add dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Nut-Free
    • Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
  • Extra Protein
    • Add an extra half scoop protein powder.
  • Low Sweetness
    • Reduce maple syrup slightly.
  • Spice Boost
    • Add cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.

10 FAQs

  1. Are these truly vegan?
    Yes, maple syrup replaces honey.
  2. Do I need to bake them?
    No, they’re completely no-bake.
  3. Can I use flavored protein powder?
    Vanilla works best for balanced flavor.
  4. Are they gluten-free?
    Yes, when using gluten-free oats.
  5. Are these good for kids?
    Absolutely—soft, sweet, and nutritious.
  6. Do they taste strongly of pumpkin?
    Mild and cozy, not overpowering.
  7. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, perfect for meal prep.
  8. Why chill them?
    It helps them firm up and hold shape.
  9. Can I eat them warm?
    They’re best chilled or room temperature.
  10. Are these filling?
    Yes, protein and healthy fats keep you full.

🏁 Conclusion

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are everything a healthy snack should be—easy, flavorful, nourishing, and satisfying. With warm pumpkin spice, creamy almond butter, and plant-based protein, they’re perfect for fueling your day the clean and simple way.

Once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your fridge.

Adam

Pumpkin Protein Balls – Gluten-Free, Vegan & No-Bake Snack

These Pumpkin Protein Balls are the perfect healthy snack when you want something quick, nourishing, and naturally satisfying. Soft, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein, they’re ideal for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a sweet bite without guilt. Made with real pumpkin purée, warm pumpkin spice, and creamy almond butter, these no-bake bites deliver cozy fall flavor in every bite—while staying gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, and pork-free. Best of all, they come together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients and require no oven at all.
Prep Time 10 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 protein balls

Ingredients
  

  • Wholesome ingredients for clean plant-based energy.
Base
  • 1 cup rolled oats gluten-free if needed
  • 2 scoops vanilla plant-based protein powder
Flavor & Texture
  • cup pumpkin purée
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • ¼ cup maple syrup vegan replacement for honey
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 –2 tablespoons plant-based milk if mixture is too thick

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking sheet or plate
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Follow these simple steps for perfect pumpkin protein balls.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and protein powder.
  2. Stir until evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
  1. Add pumpkin purée, almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Adjust Texture
  1. If the mixture feels too dry, add plant-based milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  2. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
  1. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture.
  2. Roll between your palms to form smooth balls.
  3. Place on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
Step 5: Chill
  1. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Enjoy chilled or straight from the fridge.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw for a few minutes before eating.
Reheating
Not needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Customize your pumpkin protein balls:
Chocolate Lovers
Add dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut-Free
Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter.
Extra Protein
Add an extra half scoop protein powder.
Low Sweetness
Reduce maple syrup slightly.
Spice Boost
Add cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
❓ 10 FAQs
Are these truly vegan?
Yes, maple syrup replaces honey.
Do I need to bake them?
No, they’re completely no-bake.
Can I use flavored protein powder?
Vanilla works best for balanced flavor.
Are they gluten-free?
Yes, when using gluten-free oats.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely—soft, sweet, and nutritious.
Do they taste strongly of pumpkin?
Mild and cozy, not overpowering.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for meal prep.
Why chill them?
It helps them firm up and hold shape.
Can I eat them warm?
They’re best chilled or room temperature.
Are these filling?
Yes, protein and healthy fats keep you full.
🏁 Conclusion
These Pumpkin Protein Balls are everything a healthy snack should be—easy, flavorful, nourishing, and satisfying. With warm pumpkin spice, creamy almond butter, and plant-based protein, they’re perfect for fueling your day the clean and simple way.
Once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your fridge.
Adam

Hello! I’m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories — all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

You Might Also Like...

Mini Sugar Cookies — Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Bite-Sized

Mini Sugar Cookies — Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Bite-Sized

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Will Steal Your Heart in 1 Bite

Laura Bush’s Cowboy Cookies Will Steal Your Heart in 1 Bite

Ultimate Football Party Snack Platter: Easy Game Day Treats

Ultimate Football Party Snack Platter: Easy Game Day Treats

Vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Vibrant Rainbow Orzo Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Quick and Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites with Boxed Cake Mix

Quick and Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites with Boxed Cake Mix

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs with Herb Marinade

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Thighs with Herb Marinade

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating