Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Balls (No Oats, Nut-Free)

Easy chocolate pumpkin protein balls, with 13g protein per serving! Made without oats, they are plant-based, nut-free, gluten-free & no-bake.

Oat-Free and Nut-Free Protein Balls

Did you know that you can make energy balls and protein balls without oats, peanut butter (or any other nut butters), or added sugars or syrups?

These fudgy chocolate protien balls are proof that it can be done!

To be fair, I am the first one to say that I love a peanut butter-oat-maple energy ball. Nevertheless, it’s fun to use some of the other ingredients in the pantry to create a tasty, nutritious treat. Better still, I can share them with friends who have allergies to a wide range of ingredients.

Each of these pumpkin chocolate balls is loaded with both protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied and happy throughout the day, as well as energized to conquer your to-do list.

They even have a dose of vegetables. Take that, kit-kats!

Recipe Benefits

• High protein (13 grams protein per serving)
• No oats (e.g., no rolled oats, quick oats, or oat flour)
• Nut-free (e.g., no peanuts, cashews, pecans, almonds, etc)
• No nut butter (no peanut butter, cashew butter or almond butter needed)
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Grain-free (unless the protein powder you choose contains grains)
• Oil-free (e.g., no coconut oil)
• Gluten-free

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

• pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
• unsweetened pumpkin puree
• pitted dates
• chocolate or vanilla vegan protein powder
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• coconut flour

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

1. In a food processor, process the pepitas until finely chopped. Add the pumpkin and dates. Process until mixture is a smooth, thick puree.
2. Add the protein powder and cocoa powder to the food processor; process, using ON/OFF pulses, until mixture is blended.
3. Add the coconut flour, a few tablespoons at a time, until mixture comes together into a cohesive dough (see notes about adding more liquid or dry ingredients, as needed).
4. Roll the mixture into 20 balls. If desired, roll the balls in finely chopped pepitas.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Vegan Protein Powder Tips

• Use the brand you prefer: I use a plant-based chocolate protein powder, but vanilla protein powder. will work beautifully, too. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder, depending on how strong you like your chocolate. Use what you have on hand, or prefer.
• Adjust ingredients as needed: Because protein powders can vary in both ingredients and absorbency, adjust the liquid ingredients and dry ingredients as needed. If the mixture seems dry, add a touch more pumpkin, or a splash of nondairy milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, hemp milk), or water, to the mix, until the mixture has a pliable, fudge-y consistency. If too wet, add a small amount more coconut flour or protein powder.

Storage

Store the protein balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months.

FAQ

• My dates are not very soft. Can I still use them? Yes, but soak them first to soften them up. Soak them in very hot water for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry before using.
• Can I use other seeds, or nuts, in place of the pepitas? Yes! Use an equal weight of sunflower seed kernels, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pecnas, or a mixture of nuts or seeds in place if the pepitas.
• I do not follow a plant based diet. Can I use whey protein powder in place of plant-based protein powder? I have not tested it, but you should be ale to make the substitution. You will very likely need to add a small amount more coconut flour, as needed, to make a firm dough.

Coating Variations

You can roll the balls in chopped pepitas, cocoa powder, cacao nibs, coconut, or whatever you prefer. If you are no-frills, anti-crumbs kind of eater, keep them plain; they are great without any adornment whatsoever.

Happy eating, everyone!

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