These Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls are a sweet and healthy treat! Made with pumpkin puree, protein powder, and a touch of salted caramel, they are great for snacking!
Perfect for a quick pick-me-up, these little bites make sneaking in protein fun! I love grabbing a couple before heading to the gym—they’re like little fuel bombs! 💪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These give the protein balls structure. You can substitute with oat flour if you prefer a smoother texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Pumpkin Puree: This adds moisture and flavor. In a pinch, you can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree instead for a similar sweetness.
Peanut Butter/Almond Butter: Natural nut butter keeps the mix sticky and flavorful. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative.
Protein Powder: Vanilla or caramel-flavored powder enhances flavor. If you don’t have those, unflavored protein powder works just as well—just add a bit more sweetener!
Caramel Sauce: This is the lovely surprise inside! If you want to keep it healthier, you might try using date caramel or a homemade version with blended dates and a bit of water.
How Do I Shape the Perfect Protein Balls?
Shaping protein balls can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Start with about a tablespoon of dough. Flatten it in your palm to create a small disk.
- Add your caramel filling in the center of the disk. Be careful not to overfill it to avoid leakage.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the caramel and roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Repeat the process, and remember if the dough feels too sticky, a little bit of water on your hands can help.
After forming the balls, place them on a tray and don’t forget to chill them! This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle while eating.
Salted Caramel Pumpkin Protein Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/4 cup vanilla or caramel-flavored protein powder
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce or salted caramel protein spread
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats (or oat flour), protein powder, pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well so that the spices and oats are evenly distributed.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the pumpkin puree, your choice of peanut or almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until you have a thick and sticky dough. If it feels too wet, just add a little more oats, and if it’s too dry, add a splash of pumpkin puree or maple syrup to adjust the texture.
3. Shape the Protein Balls:
Now, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough and flatten it in your palm to form a small disk. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of caramel sauce or salted caramel protein spread in the center.
4. Seal the Filling:
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the caramel and roll it into a smooth ball. Make sure the caramel is sealed inside so it doesn’t leak out. Repeat this step with the remaining dough until all the protein balls are made.
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Place the protein balls on a lined plate or tray. Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of each ball for that delicious sweet-salty flavor contrast.
6. Chill & Store:
Refrigerate the protein balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Once chilled, enjoy them immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. These are perfect for a quick snack on the go!
Enjoy these delightful protein balls as a nourishing treat! They’re soft, moist, and filled with a luscious salted caramel center that makes them irresistible. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While peanut butter and almond butter are delicious, you can use any nut or seed butter you prefer. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative if you’re avoiding nuts.
Can I Make These Protein Balls Vegan?
Yes, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Make sure to use a plant-based protein powder as well for a fully vegan-friendly recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Protein Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to individual wrap them or place them in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like ginger or nutmeg, or add in ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Just keep the ratios balanced to maintain the consistency!