Pumpkin Chocolate Protein Bites

With just a few more days to embrace all things pumpkin, I couldn’t resist sharing these yummy protein-packed pumpkin chocolate energy bites. They’re perfect if you need something when you’re on-the-go, or if you simply want to indulge with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast (or dessert).

This time of year, I can’t resist pairing them with hot coffee. I love a hot, hot cup of coffee so much. While the red cups this year are a hot topic, I’m typically partial to indulging in a cup at home or work; delicious and at a cost savings. As part of the Starbucks Coffee Blogger Community, I’ve had fun this fall sampling a few of the brand’s coffees, like the ones here, plus the Starbucks VIA Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL!) — that’s the instant version, which we’ve kept at the office for a quick recharge!

Ok, so back to the pumpkin chocolate protein balls. Here’s my recipe but have fun with it…. Add in other nuts, mix up the ratios, play around with the chocolates.

Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashion oats
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 tbsp miniature chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped almonds
1 tbsp raw sugar
dash (or two) of salt

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, protein powder, cinnamon and sugar. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Fold in the chocolate chips. Scoop mixture into approx. 24 protein bites (I used a tbsp spoon), and roll into a ball. Put in the freezer until firm, and then keep in freezer or fridge, depending on your preference. That’s it. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Photography: South Moon Photography