Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls

INGREDIENTS:

•  1 1/2-3/4 cup old-fashion oats (gluten-free if needed)

• ¾ cup unsweetened almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)

• ¼ cup raw organic and ideally local honey

• ¼ cup chia seeds (could also use flax)

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (more if you love these flavors)

• 1/2-3/4 cup clean vanilla protein powder (see notes below for brands)

OPTIONAL: ¼ cup cocoa nibs or vegan dark chocolate chips (I like Enjoy Life Brand)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined.  Scoop into balls and store in fridge. If dough is too sticky, put in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before forming into balls.  Should last 2 weeks in refrigerator and longer in freezer.

NOTES:

• You’ll want to adjust the oats, protein powder and pumpkin puree to achieve the desired consistency so that the balls roll easily and aren’t too dry. Tweak these measurements as desired. While this is a recipe you’ll want to taste and adjust to suit your tastes (add more honey or chocolate chips to make sweeter, add more pumpkin spice mix etc)

• I use a cookie dough scoop to make the balls the same size and then roll with my hands.

• Perfect mid-morning or afternoon pick-me up snack.  Will also satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt! 

• For protein powders I like the following brands: Orgain Organic, Primal Kitchen Collagen Protein powder and Perfect Keto brands.  If you're not sensitive to dairy, try Terra's Whey Organic. 

• I used a combo of the salted caramel MCT oil powder from Perfect Keto along with the vanilla protein powder and it added a yummy rich flavor.