Pumpkin Spice Protein Energy Balls
These no-bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls are healthy, high in protein, and full of warm fall flavor. Made with real pumpkin, oats, and dates, they’re a quick, grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for busy days, school lunches, afternoon pick-me-ups, or a quick pre-workout bite.
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If you love all things pumpkin spice, you’ll love these easy Pumpkin Energy Balls! They’re no-bake, refined sugar-free, and packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied. Pair them with your morning coffee or enjoy as a mid-day snack on the go.
For more wholesome Halloween treats, try making a batch of my vegan pumpkin spice mummy cookies or Chocolate Protein Monster Mash Cookies.
- No-bake & super easy to make
- Naturally sweetened with dates and a touch of maple syrup
- High in protein & fiber thanks to hemp protein, seeds, and oats.
- Kid-friendly & great for lunchboxes, sports snacks, or on-the-go fuel.
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 8 Medjool dates, pitted or 16 smaller sayer dates (softened in hot water if firm)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or sunflower seed flour for nut-free)
- 1/4 cup hemp heart seeds (adds protein + healthy fats)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (helps bind + fiber boost)
- 2 scoops unflavored hemp protein powder, or protein powder of your choice (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch sea salt
- 3 tablespoons nut butter (cashew or almond work best for neutral flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp hot water
- Cacao nibs, optional for rolling protein energy balls in
Time needed: 45 minutes
- Blend the Dates
In a blender or food processor, blend the dates with 2 tbsp of hot water and then set aside.
- Pulse the Dry Ingredients
Pulse oats, almond flour, hemp seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice together using a food processor. Pulse to a fine texture or leave chunkier for more texture.
Add pumpkin purée, blended dates, nut butter, vanilla, and salt. Blend until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons non-dairy milk. If too sticky, pulse in more oats or almond flour.
Roll in cacao nibs or your chosen coating, if desired.
Chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour and sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Protein swap: Try collagen protein, pea protein, or another unflavored protein powder.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for 2–3 months.
- Add-ins: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips, raisins, or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
- Make it bite-size: Roll smaller portions for kids’ lunchboxes or energy snack packs.
Leave a review and star rating to let me know what you think.
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g (from dates & maple syrup)
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
No, use plain pumpkin purée. Pie filling has added sugar and spices which will change the flavor and texture.
Can I make these pumpkin spice protein energy bites ahead of time?Chocolate plant-based protein powders with a smooth texture work best. Brown rice, pea, or blended vegan proteins tend to bake well. Since protein powders absorb liquid differently, you may need to add 1–2 tablespoons of plant milk if your dough feels dry.
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work. Just choose one with a neutral flavor to let the pumpkin shine.
Are these pumpkin spice protein energy balls gluten-free?Yes, just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dye-free candy-coated ones?Of course! While dye-free chocolate candies add festive pops of color without artificial ingredients, you can swap in regular candy-coated chocolate chips or chocolate coated candies such as M&M’s, Giggles or Smarties.
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Pumpkin Spice Protein Energy Balls
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling
- 8 Medjool dates pitted or 16 smaller sayer dates (softened in hot water if firm)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- 1/4 cup almond flour or sunflower seed flour for nut-free
- 1/4 cup hemp heart seeds adds protein + healthy fats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds helps bind + fiber boost
- 2 scoops unflavored hemp protein powder about 1/4 cup
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch sea salt
- 3 tablespoons nut butter cashew or almond work best for neutral flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp hot water
- Cacao Nibs optional coating
Instructions
- Using a blender or food processor,, blend the dates with 2 tbsp of hot water and set aside.
- Pulse oats, almond flour, hemp seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice together. Pulse to a fine texture or leave chunkier for more texture.
- Add pumpkin purée, blended dates, nut butter, vanilla, and salt. Blend until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons non-dairy milk. If too sticky, pulse in more oats or almond flour.
- Roll into 12–14 balls using about 1 1/2 tablespoons dough each.
- Roll in cacao nibs or your chosen coating, if desired.
- Chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
Tips
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for 2–3 months.
- Sugar: 8g (from dates & maple syrup)
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