Pumpkin Protein Bites

Last year, I went through a phase of making these protein bite snacks. And by phase I mean I made 2-3 variations in about a week and that was that. Since moving to London though, I've noticed there are a lot more healthy to-go snacks around, especially these protein bites. Okay, okay, they're called balls and people have a lot of fun with it.

  

Rather than buying these bite sized snacks to-go, it's much more efficient to just make a batch and keep them in the fridge. You can also freeze them but they need to thaw a bit before trying to bite them, trust me on that.

In a large bowl, just add all your sticky, tasty ingredients. In this case, we've got oats, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, protein powder and maple syrup. Mix it all together with a spoon. I think it's too sticky for a mixer but feel free to give that a try! Then you just roll them or smush them together into a ball and voila! Snack time.

I don't have a final picture of these because I ate them...but it's kind of like pumpkin oatmeal on the go. I found this recipe on Instagram! A nice change of pace. I started following cleanfoodcrush and she posted these but with a glaze I opted to skip. Her final product, plus themed nails, are a winner:

Pumpkin Protein Bliss Bites {A recipe from my Pumpkin Love cookbook- available on Amazon. These are great for people with nut, or egg allergies - simple ingredients, simple prep!} . 📌Pin it! http://cleanfoodcrush.com/pumpkin-protein-bites/ . . Makes 16-18 Ingredients: 2 cups oats, a bit more if needed 2/3 cup pure pumpkin puree 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 4 Tbsps pure maple syrup, or raw honey 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional) . Instructions: In a large glass bowl, mix everything well. Using a cookie scoop, or a tablespoon measuring spoon; scoop, then roll into balls (dough will be sticky! Add a sprinkle more oats if needed). Place on parchment lined plate or tray, Refrigerate, or freeze for at least an hour. . . For the vanilla glaze: Mix 1 scoop vanilla protein with 2 Tablespoons unsweetened almond, or coconut milk. Drizzle over each bite. . . 📌Pin it! http://cleanfoodcrush.com/pumpkin-protein-bites/ . .

A photo posted by Rachel Maser (@cleanfoodcrush) on Oct 13, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT

Recipe
from Clean Food Crush

• 2 cups oats
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
• 4 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: chia seeds, vanilla glaze (see Instagram caption above for ingredients), sprinkles, crushed pecans 

1. Add everything into a large bowl. Stir/fold/mix until everything is incorporated.
2. Using your hands or a melon scooper, scoop out bite-sized balls.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a tupperware container. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm. They have to be thawed to eat though so transfer to the fridge once they're set!