Gluten Free Pumpkin Gingersnap Protein Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 1/2 cups vanilla protein powder preferably raw/organic protein
1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup gluten free gingersnap cookies crushed
1/2 cup oat flour
12 oz Greek cream cheese softened
4 tbsp water
4 tbsp Stevia in the raw more to taste
1 tbsp Vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Topping
1/3 cup dark chocolate melted
My good friend requested I make a healthy pumpkin dessert recipe. I have made pumpkin gingersnap truffles before, and they were amazing! The only problem with this recipe is that they were very unhealthy and I would not suggest that recipe for anyone trying to lose weight. I tweaked the original recipe and came up with a much healthier version. These are gluten free, do not require baking, and the entire recipe can be completed under 30 minutes! Shall we get started?!?!
Gather all ingredients, a large bowl, mixing spoon, and a food processor.
Scoop the pumpkin puree, protein powder, water, vanilla, stevia, and spices into the large bowl. Stir.
Place the cookies and oats into a food processor and grind up well. You can do the 2 separate or together. Pour into the large bowl and slowly stir the ingredients. The mixture will not be easy to stir and will seem too dry…this is ok!!!
Now place about 3/4 of the mixture into a food processor with the cream cheese and blend well.
Scoop out the mixture and place back into the bowl with the remaining mixture. At this point, MIX WELL WITH YOUR HANDS!!!!
If you feel the mixture is too thick, add water. If you feel the mixture is not thick enough, add more protein powder.
At this point, either roll the dough into balls or press into a pan and cut into bars.
Melt dark chocolate in a bowl in the microwave and scoop into a ziploc baggie. Trip off the edge and pipe onto each bar/ball, leaving just a drizzle on each. If you would like to be extra indulgent, dip the top of each ball into the chocolate (in a bowl) instead of piping it. JUST A DRIZZLE IF YOU ARE TRYING TO B GOOD:)
Place the balls/bars in the refrigerator for a few minutes in order for the chocolate to harden. Keep in an airtight container until ready to eat.