These Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls are a fun and tasty snack! They’re packed with the goodness of pumpkin, banana, and protein, making them a great energy boost.
Making these is a breeze! I love popping them in the fridge and grabbing one when I need a quick pick-me-up. Plus, they taste like a fall treat, no matter what season it is! 🎃🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor. You could also roast and puree fresh pumpkin if you prefer. Just make sure it’s smooth to combine well with the other ingredients.
Banana: A ripe banana is key for natural sweetness. If you’re allergic or don’t have bananas, try unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, but it may slightly change the texture.
Rolled Oats: Regular rolled oats give great texture. You can use quick oats if that’s all you have, but stay away from instant oats as they might make the mixture too sticky.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder enhances flavor, but feel free to swap it with chocolate or leave it out entirely if you’re avoiding protein supplements.
Nut Butter: Natural peanut butter provides creaminess and binding. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives and cater to different tastes or allergies.
How Do I Form the Perfect Protein Balls?
Forming protein balls can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to get it right!
- Start with a well-mixed dough. Make sure all ingredients are fully blended before forming the balls.
- Use slightly damp hands. This helps prevent sticking when rolling the mixture into balls.
- Moisten your hands lightly and grab a scoop of dough, about 1 inch in size. Roll it gently until it’s smooth.
- Place each formed ball on a lined baking sheet. If desired, roll them in extra shredded coconut for a nice coating.
Chilling them helps firm up the energy balls, making them easier to eat. Enjoy your homemade snacks!
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes for chilling. In no time, you’ll have a delicious batch of Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls ready to enjoy as a snack or a quick energy boost!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the canned pumpkin puree, mashed banana, peanut butter (or almond butter), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together using a spatula or spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt if you’re using it to the wet ingredients. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed. You should have a sticky dough at this point.
3. Folding in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, fold in the mini dark chocolate chips to add an extra touch of sweetness. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Forming the Balls:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto a baking sheet or a plate lined with parchment paper. If you’d like, you can roll them in a little extra shredded coconut for a nice finish!
5. Chilling:
Pop the baking sheet or plate into the refrigerator and let the pumpkin banana protein balls chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to eat.
6. Storing Your Snack:
Once they’re chilled, store any leftover protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for up to one week.
Enjoy your nutritious and tasty Pumpkin Banana Protein Balls as a perfect snack or a delightful treat anytime you need a little boost!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just roast and puree it until smooth. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the protein balls.
What Can I Substitute for Protein Powder?
If you don’t have protein powder, you can either omit it or replace it with an equal amount of oats for a fiber boost. However, the texture might be slightly different, so consider adjusting the other wet ingredients if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store any leftover pumpkin banana protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them! Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize your protein balls. Just make sure to keep the overall ratio of dry to wet ingredients balanced for the right consistency.
