These Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites are healthy treats packed with pumpkin flavor and protein goodness! They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for snack time or to boost your energy.
I love how easy they are to make—just mix, roll, and chill! Plus, they disappear fast around my house, so I always have to make a double batch. Who can resist pumpkin? 🎃
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These form the base of your bites. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free rolled oats. Quick oats can work too! I prefer using rolled oats for their texture and chewiness.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient and perfect for this recipe. You could also use homemade pumpkin puree if you have fresh pumpkins. Just bake them, scoop the flesh, and blend until smooth.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder adds flavor and nutrients. If you’re not using protein powder, try adding extra oats or almond meal for consistency. You might miss some sweetness which can be balanced with a bit more honey.
Nut Butter: Almond butter gives a lovely flavor, but peanut butter is a great substitute! You can also use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version—still tasty and nutritious!
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup sweetens these bites. If you’re vegan, stick to maple syrup. For lower-sugar options, try sugar-free syrup or agave nectar.
Shredded Coconut: This adds a fun texture and visual appeal. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip it or roll the balls in crushed nuts or seeds instead.
How Do I Get the Right Dough Consistency?
Getting a cohesive and not-too-sticky dough is key to rolling your bites successfully. Start by mixing your dry ingredients first to avoid clumps. Then, add the wet ingredients gradually:
- Combine rolled oats, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a bowl.
- Add pumpkin puree, nut butter, honey, and vanilla to this mixture.
- Mix until everything is well combined, and if the dough feels too dry, a splash of water can help. If it’s too wet, add more oats until you reach the desired consistency.
Chill the mixture for about 30 minutes—not just to set, but to make it easier to handle. Then, roll into balls for perfectly shaped bites.
Delicious Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Shredded coconut, for rolling/coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar or icing sugar (for drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons water or milk (as needed for icing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 40-45 minutes of chill time in the refrigerator. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour for your delicious Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well so the dry ingredients mix evenly. This helps ensure that every bite is flavorful!
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Add the pumpkin puree, almond butter (or peanut butter), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until you have a sticky, cohesive dough that holds together nicely.
3. Form the Bites:
Now it’s time to roll! Take a small portion of the dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat this for the entire mixture. You’ll probably get around 12-15 bites, depending on how big you roll them!
4. Coat with Coconut:
Next, roll each bite in shredded coconut until they are covered evenly. This gives them a lovely finish and adds a nice texture!
5. Chill the Bites:
Place the coconut-coated balls on a parchment-lined tray. Pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let them firm up. This step makes them easy to eat and tastier!
6. Prepare the Icing:
While your bites chill, mix powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk in a small bowl. Stir until you have a smooth, slightly thick icing—this will be your delicious drizzle!
7. Drizzle Over the Bites:
Once the bites have chilled, take them out and drizzle the icing on top using a spoon or a piping bag, if you have one. Get creative with your drizzle—you can make it pretty!
8. Final Chill:
Return the tray to the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes to allow the icing to set nicely.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After the icing has set, your Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites are ready to be enjoyed! Keep them in the fridge for a refreshing snack or an energizing boost whenever you need it.
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit different. Instant oats tend to absorb moisture more quickly, which might make your bites a little softer. If you use instant oats, it may help to reduce the amount of pumpkin puree slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Protein Snowball Bites?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper, and they’ll last about 2-3 months.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Butter?
If you don’t have almond butter on hand, feel free to use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. Each will give the bites a slightly different flavor but will still work great!
Can I Make These Nut-Free?
Absolutely! To make these bites nut-free, just use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter. They will retain the delicious taste and texture without the nuts!