Pumpkin Spice Protein Bites

Real pumpkin puree makes these softer and moister than the average energy ball, and the pumpkin pie spice does the rest. They're the September-through-November house snack.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 scoops (about 60g) vanilla protein powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt
• Cinnamon sugar for rolling (optional)

Instructions

1. Stir the pumpkin, almond butter, and maple syrup together until smooth.
2. Add oats, protein powder, spice, and salt; mix into a soft dough.
3. Chill 30 minutes; pumpkin dough is sticky and needs the extra time.
4. Roll into 18 balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar if using.
5. Store in the fridge up to 1 week (the pumpkin makes these shorter-lived than dry bites).

Tips

• Blot the pumpkin puree with a paper towel first for a firmer bite.
• These freeze beautifully; thaw 10 minutes and they're back to fresh.
• Add 2 tablespoons of white chocolate chips for a pumpkin-spice-latte vibe.

FAQ

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

Pumpkin varies in moisture. Chill it longer, or work in extra oats a tablespoon at a time until it handles cleanly.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No; pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, so the bites come out cloying. Use plain pumpkin puree.