Pumpkin Spice Protein Energy Balls

12-14 Energy Balls
15 min

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.

PUMPKIN SPICE ENERGY BALLS IN WHITE BOWL

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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.


Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls


  • 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.


What You’ll Need
PUMPKIN PIE SPICE NENERGY BALL INGREDIENTS IN CLEAR BOWLS ON WHITE SURFACE
Pumpkin Spice Protein Energy Balls Ingredients (makes 12-14 balls)


  • 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


Step-by-Step Instructions to Make My Pumpkin Spice Energy Protein Balls


Time needed: 45 minutes

  1. Blend the Dates

    In a blender or food processor, blend the dates with 2 tbsp of hot water and then set aside.

  2. 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.

oats, almond flour, hemp seeds, chia seeds, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice together IN FOOD PROCESSOR
  • Add the Wet Ingredients

    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.

  • WET INGREDIENTS PULSED INTO FOOD PROCESSOR
  • Add Coating

    Roll in cacao nibs or your chosen coating, if desired.

  • pumpkin spice energy balls being rolled in cacao nibs coating
  • Chill

    Chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.

  • pumpkin pie spice energy balls on parchment paper to chill
    Recipe Notes & Tips


    • 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.



    I’d love to hear how your baking turned out!


    Leave a review and star rating to let me know what you think.


    Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see and share your creations @thesprinkledcakery!
    hand holding up a pumpkin spice energy bite
    Macros per Protein Bite, Based on 12 Balls


    • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions


    Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?

    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.


    Can I use other nut butters?

    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
    • 12-14  Energy Balls
    • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 0 Minutes Total time: 15 min
    Show Nutrition Info
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    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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