Get ready to dive into a delicious blend of autumn flavors with these Pumpkin Flaxseed Protein Balls. This no-bake, vegan recipe combines the goodness of vanilla protein powder, oat flour, creamy almond butter (or peanut butter for a twist), and luscious pumpkin puree.
To amp up the nutrition, we're adding ground flaxseed meal and a delightful touch of mini chocolate chips. These bite-sized treats are not only convenient but also a fantastic source of plant-based protein. Perfect for snacking, pre- or post-workout, or whenever you're craving a taste of fall.
Here's why I love this recipe
- no-bake and so easy to prepare - only takes a few minutes!
- high-protein and high-fiber, so it'll keep you fuller longer
- low calorie and low carb, to support your weight loss goals
- the best dessert alternative & post-workout snack
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of pumpkin and flaxseeds in every satisfying bite!
Ingredients Used to Make Pumpkin Flaxseed Protein Balls
**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Protein Powder – My go-to protein powder is a vanilla plant-based protein powder, like this Orgain Protein Powder.
- Notes on using other Protein Powders in this recipe: Most frothy protein-shake type powders like whey, casein, pea, hemp, brown rice, egg protein powders should give you similar results, but slightly different textures. (Whey tends to produce gummier protein balls, for example). Collagen Peptides protein powder DOES NOT work with this recipe, so I highly recommend that you stick with the recommended protein powders. For collagen protein ball posts, check out this collagen page instead.
- Oatmeal / Oat Flour - Oat flour is a whole grain flour that’s made out of rolled oats. You can buy from the store, or online, but it's easy to make your own oat flour by blitzing either old-fashioned (rolled) or quick-cooking oats in a blender (like how I made it below with my mini blender). If you want to keep this strictly gluten-free (some oats are produced in the same facility as wheat), be sure to buy the one with the GF label like this one.
- Almond Butter - The almond butter works as a binder in this recipe and also gives the protein balls a nice boost of flavor as well as some protein and fiber. If you don't have almond butter at home, not to worry! This recipe works just fine with other nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter.
- Pumpkin puree - I used canned pumpkin puree, which you can find in the baking aisle.
- Chocolate Chips - you can use any chocolate chips. To make these protein balls low-carb, use a lower sugar, stevia-sweetened brand like this one below.
- Ground Flaxseed Meal - I used golden flaxseeds which are milder tasting and lighter colored than its brown counterparts.
More Protein Powder Recipes (HERE)
Step by Step
How to Make Pumpkin Flaxseed Protein Balls with Oats
STEP 1
In a clean bowl, mix together almond butter, pumpkin puree, protein powder and oat flour.
STEP 2
NOTE: Add more oat flour if the dough is too soft, add more puree if the dough is too thick. TRY TO ADD A TEASPOON AT A TIME! The final dough should be firm, but soft enough that you can roll the dough into a ball without it falling apart.
STEP 3
Add flaxseeds and chocolate chips
STEP 4
Use a small cookie scoop to roll the batter into tablespoon sized balls, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to set
STEP 5
Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
- Feel free to experiment with natural flavoring / extracts. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (I didn't feel like it was essential so I left it out in this recipe), or other flavorings or extracts, such as lemon extract or raspberry extract
Just keep in mind that some extracts contain alcohol, and since this is a no-bake recipe, the alcohol won't have a chance to fully evaporate. If serving this to kids, or if you're sensitive to alcohol, be sure to use non-alcoholic extracts or flavorings. Here are some non-alcoholic brands, here: Non-alcoholic peppermint extract, non-alcoholic vanilla extract
How to Make this Healthier
- Make this even healthier by adding a handful of nuts, seeds and old-fashioned oats to add texture and nutrition. Even better, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds.
Delicious Add-In Ideas for Protein Balls
Adding color, texture and variety to your grab-and-go snacks is one way to keep protein balls fun and interesting. From dried fruits to confetti sprinkles, the options are pretty much endless. For more delicious add ins and flavoring ideas for your protein balls, check out this post for 10+ Amazing Add Ins & Flavor Variations for Protein Balls
How to Store Pumpkin Flaxseed Protein Balls
- You can keep the protein balls out at room temperature for 1-2 days but for maximum freshness and best texture, it's best to store these covered in the fridge. They'll be fresh for up to 5-7 days.
- These protein balls also freeze very well! Seal them inside an airtight container or Ziploc bag and freeze them in a single layer so that they don't stick together. I recommend double-bagging if you want to keep out the fridge smell. They can be frozen for up to 4 months.
Final Tips
- For best results, use cream cheese that's softened to room temperature
Pumpkin Flaxseed Protein Balls with Oats (No-Bake, Vegan Recipe)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder* (32g)
- ¼ cup oat flour (32g) read notes** on how to make at home
- ¼ cup almond butter (64g) , can also use peanut butter
- 2 ½ Tbsp pumpkin puree
Add Ins
- 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a clean bowl, mix the dry ingredients: protein powder, and oat flour
- Next, add in the almond butter and the pumpkin puree, using your hands to knead and get the dough to combine together.NOTE: Add more oat flour if the dough is too soft, add more puree if the dough is too thick. TRY TO ADD A TEASPOON AT A TIME! The final dough should be firm, but soft enough that you can roll the dough into a ball without it falling apart.
- Add the ground flaxseed meal and mini chocolate chips for additional texture
- Roll the batter into tablespoon sized balls, refrigerate for 15 minutes to set
- Enjoy!
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