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Easy Pumpkin Protein Balls Recipe with Dark Chocolate and Pepitas for Healthy Snacks

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These easy pumpkin protein balls combine pumpkin puree, dark chocolate, and pepitas for a quick, healthy, and protein-packed snack perfect for anytime snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup (50g) vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
  • 3/4 cup (75g) rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup (60g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
  • 1/4 cup (60g) nut butter (almond or peanut butter)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

Instructions

  1. Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional flaxseed or chia seeds. Stir well to distribute.
  3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined to form a thick, sticky dough. Add toasted pepitas and dark chocolate chips last and fold them in carefully.
  5. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up the dough.
  6. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls with your hands. Wet hands slightly if dough is too sticky.
  7. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
  8. Transfer to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Toast pepitas for enhanced flavor. Chill dough before rolling to make shaping easier. Adjust texture with almond milk or oats if needed. Use vanilla or unflavored whey protein for best texture. Can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin protein balls, healthy snacks, dark chocolate, pepitas, protein snack, quick snack, gluten-free snack, no bake snack

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