PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) Power Balls

I made it a week into September before whipping up my first batch of PSL, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Power Balls. That is some serious self control since it was in the 60s here last week. It must have been perfect timing and meant to be though because I ordered (I had to order it since we aren’t special enough here in MN to have a store that sells it) some Peanut Butter & Co Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter that came yesterday and today I got a surprise in the mall, the adorable #PSiloveyou mug in the photo, from my friends at Peanut Butter & Co. So I took it as a sign and took thought they needed to be photographed in the cute mug, after whipping up a pumpkin spice latte of course! I love these PSL Power Balls in the morning. They are a perfect pre workout snack for me, and I usually get my workouts done in the morning. I can grab a couple of these and a shot or two of espresso and I’m good to go! Or if I don’t need a pre workout snack because I got in breakfast and I’m doing a later workout I will grab one or two to have with coffee or shh a pumpkin spice latte. The girls also love these but I leave the espresso out of theirs. Protein, carbs, a little fiber, they are also the perfect healthy treat. They can take a couple to school for snack or they are great for an after school snack before soccer or gymnastics to get them through until dinner. Since I can’t get over these I also made a version for more of a dessert, a healthy dessert but less carbs, which I will be sharing soon too! I’m trying to get all my apple recipes wrapped up too, of course they aren’t all completed but I have a good chunks and as much as I love pumpkin I also love apples and we can jump over one to get to the other… and it is prime apple picking season here!

Are you a PSL lover?

PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) Power Balls
Makes 26-30
1 1/2c rolled oats, gluten-free if needed
1/2c vanilla protein powder (used Vega Performance and Vanilla Protein and Greens)**
1/2c pumpkin peanut butter, or vanilla almond butter (used Peanut Butter & Co Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter)*
1/3c maple syrup
1/2c pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
1 -2 TBSP ground or powder espresso
1 tsp-1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice, optional*

*Added 1 teaspoon for this recipe using Peanut Butter & Co Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter. When using other nut butters or if using almond butter (I used Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter) I use 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, otherwise to taste based on nut butter you are using. Also if using a raw almond butter or nut butter you may want to add 2 tablespoons of coconut palm sugar if wanting a sweeter treat, again based on nut butter used.

**Or you can sub powdered peanut butter like Peanut Butter & Co Go Mighty Nut.

In a small food processor pulse oats until a course texture. Other options you can grind half the oats to an oat flour and keep the other half whole, or you can use all oat flour for a less texture. Mix together the oats/oat flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and espresso powder and set aside. In a medium to large bowl mix together peanut butter/nut butter, maple syrup, an pumpkin puree until smooth and combine. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until the mixture comes together. I like to start with a spatula but then get in there with my hands. You want the mixture to stay together when rolled into balls so not too dry but not to wet either. Add a little water or pumpkin puree if the mixture is too dry or a little more protein powder or oats if it is too wet. Roll into balls, store in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage until ready to enjoy. I like to make a few batches and keep them in the freezer and pull them out as needed an let thaw a couple minutes or if packing to go just pack them as they will soften. Enjoy!
I need these PSL Power Balls! #PSiloveyou #FuelYourBetter #SweatPink #vegan Click To Tweet