Pumpkin Spiced Latte Energy Bites

The base of these protein bites starts with instant oats and protein powder. Instant oats are also known as “quick-cooking” or “one-minute” oats, and they’re sold in canisters right next to the old-fashioned oats at the grocery store. I’ve started to prefer instant oats in my energy bites because they’re smaller and thinner than old-fashioned oats, so they have a more pleasing texture.

When making this recipe, I tested it with this plant-based protein powder. It’s relatively inexpensive, and I buy it online here. You may substitute other plant-based protein powders, but remember that not all protein powders absorb liquids equally! You may need to add a touch more protein powder if the mixture seems really wet or a hint more pumpkin if the mixture seems too dry.

Note: Do NOT substitute whey-based protein powders. The energy bites will not set, and the mixture will be very sticky and gooey.
 

 
For the latte flavor, you’ll dissolve instant coffee into pumpkin purée. Just regular ol’ pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie mix! (Pumpkin pie mix contains refined sugar, which we’re avoiding in this healthy recipe.)  You’ll also use it to make my pumpkin spice latte protein overnight oats! It requires quite a bit of stirring for the instant coffee to fully dissolve, so be patient. And of course, it wouldn’t be a PSL without the spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger!

To sweeten your energy bites, you’ll use one of my favorite ingredients: vanilla crème stevia. Stevia is a plant-based, no-calorie sweetener that’s clean eating friendly, and it’s highly concentrated. You just need ½ teaspoon for this entire recipe! This is the kind that I buy because I love its warm flavor and don’t notice any strange aftertastes like with some other stevia products. You can find it at many health-oriented grocery stores, but I usually buy mine online here. 

• 3 scoops (90g) PlantFusion vanilla bean protein powder
• ½ cup (50g) instant oats (gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (244g) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 ½ tsp instant coffee granules
• ½ tsp vanilla crème stevia, or adjusted to taste

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the protein powder, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin, instant coffee, and stevia until the coffee has fully dissolved. (It may require a few minutes of stirring!) Add in the oat mixture, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
3. Divide the mixture into 30 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, roll the mixture into a small sphere, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the bites to an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes: This recipe was specifically designed for the plant-based protein powder listed in the Ingredients list. I buy it here. Most protein powders behave differently, especially when it comes to absorbing moisture. If you substitute a different plant-based protein powder, you may need to add more protein powder if the dough is too wet OR more pumpkin purée (or a small amount of milk) if the dough is too dry. Do not substitute whey-based protein powder; the bites will be too sticky to roll and won't set.

If you prefer, 1¾ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice may be substituted for the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

I highly recommend using the instant coffee granules, if possible. In a pinch, you may substitute extra-strong brewed coffee, but you’ll need to reduce the amount of pumpkin by about double the amount of coffee that you use to compensate for the added liquid.

Any sweetener may be substituted in place of the vanilla crème stevia. However, you may need to adjust the amount of protein powder if the dough is too wet OR add more pumpkin if the mixture is too dry. You’ll need the equivalent of 6-8 tablespoons of granulated sugar. (I highly recommend using the vanilla crème stevia, if at all possible! I buy it here.