Oh, pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is a fall pantry staple, and there are lots of ways to use it. One of our favorite ways is to make pumpkin protein balls.
The kids call these pumpkin spice oatmeal bites, because we get on a bit of a pumpkin spice snack kick before the holidays.
The fact that this is one of our favorite healthy snacks for kids is just a bonus. It’s a no-bake snack, so I let the kids make these on their own.
Yes, the marshmallows are key. You only use a few, but they make these taste so good!
4 Ingredients or Less
Yes, this can be made with just 4 ingredients. You can easily take it down to 3 ingredients, if you decide to not use the marshmallows. But you won’t do that, right? Right.
I love that canned pumpkin is the star in these pumpkin protein balls, since it’s cheap and shelf-stable. Remember, use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin Energy Bite Variations
The best part of these kinds of recipes is that you can add in whatever you’d like to the recipe! When we first made our oatmeal banana bites, the kids would request the addition of different nuts, dried fruits, and even chocolate chips. Of course.
Here are a few fun additions you can add to this recipe, not including the ever essential mini marshmallows:
- dried cranberries (perfect for Thanksgiving!)
- white chocolate chips
- dark chocolate chips
- walnuts
- peanuts
- sunflower seeds
- flax seeds
- chopped dates
Pumpkin Protein Balls
(12 servings)
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
2 cups rolled oats
Instructions:
Place the pumpkin in a large bowl.
Add honey.
Stir together unitl fully incorporated.
Pour in the oatmeal and stir together. If the mixtures still seems to wet to mold into balls, add in more oatmeal, up to half a cup.
Form the mixture into balls, or press into a 9×13 pan. Chill for a few hours and cut into squares.
These pumpkin energy balls can be eaten immediately, placed covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.
Pumpkin Protein Balls
This recipe for pumpkin protein balls is a great healthy snack for kids!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 cups rolled oats
Instructions
- Place the pumpkin in a large bowl.
- Add honey.
- Stir together unitl fully incorporated.
- Pour in the oatmeal and stir together. If the mixtures still seems to wet to mold into balls, add in more oatmeal, up to half a cup.
- Form the mixture into balls, or press into a 9x13 pan. Chill for a few hours and cut into squares.
- These pumpkin energy balls can be eaten immediately, placed covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.
This recipe was GREAT for our little homeschool co-op kids! Easy recipe for 8-12 year old class to do themselves which is the best way to learn to cook! Simple and SOOOOOOOO yummy!