Pumpkin Protein Bites

I love snacks that are readily available for grab-n-go occasions. I typically turn to snacks like granola bars that are made with whole food ingredients and packed with nutrients. This week, I scoured Pinterest for some homemade protein bar recipes. I came across this recipe and absolutely loved it because not only did I already have the ingredients in my home but the recipe was extremely simple.

Here is the recipe:

( Via Yummy Mummy Kitchen )

1 ¾  cups rolled oats (gluten free if needed)

3 scoops vanilla protein powder (gluten free if needed) 

1-2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons hemp seeds 

¼  teaspoon sea salt

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

½ cup pumpkin puree (not sweetened)

2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

2 tablespoons chopped dark chocolate (gluten free chocolate if needed) 

¼ cup chopped toasted pecans

1/4 cup additional chopped chocolate for drizzle (optional) 

First, I mixed the dry ingredients

I only used 2 scoops of protein powder in my batch. It seemed like a lot of powder to add for my liking.
I also used flaxseed instead of hemp seed (just because that's what I had at home).

Then the wet ingredients

Then I cut up some nuts and dark chocolate

I ran out of pecans but I had walnuts in my cupboard. Yay! So I substituted with walnuts.

Mix Well!

 Then roll them into golf-sized balls & place on a cookie tray

The recipe yields 16 but I ended up with 19 (perhaps I made them too small).

 Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and drizzle with melted dark chocolate, if you so please. Then, it's time to CHOW DOWN!

 I chose not to drizzle them with chocolate (because I was lazy) but I bet they would taste even better with a little more chocolate ;)

These things tasted great! I'm excited to have them after a good workout or for a quick afternoon snack. Give them a try! I love eating food that I have prepared because I know exactly what I am putting into my body. 

I hope you enjoy the recipe! Give it a try this weekend and let me know what you think.

Do you have a favorite snack recipe? I'd love to hear it! Please share.