Pumpkin Protein bars

Who said you couldn't add a little protein to your fall treats!? These pumpkin protein bars are protein packed, naturally sweetened, and easily customizable to meet your needs! 

Why You'll Love this Recipe

1. Wholesome Ingredients: These bars are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like oat flour, almond butter, and pumpkin puree. You’ll feel good about eating them or offering them as a snack to family and friends.

2. Protein-Packed: The addition of protein powder helps to keep you fuller for longer and makes these bars a great option for a post-workout snack or an on-the-go breakfast.

3. Seasonal Flavor: With a blend of pumpkin pie spice, these bars capture the warm, cozy flavors of fall. Pumpkin lovers and those who look forward to fall’s seasonal treats will appreciate the festive flavor.

4. Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup or honey, these bars are free from refined sugar. You get all the natural sweetness without the sugar crash!

5. No-Bake Convenience: No need to turn on the oven! These protein bars come together quickly, making them ideal for meal prep or busy days when you want a quick but nutritious snack.

6. Customizable: You can easily swap the almond butter for another nut or seed butter, or the protein powder for a plant-based or flavored option to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Protein Bars

You will need the ingredients listed below to make your fall protein bars.

• Vanilla protein powder:  You can use your favorite brand and use unflavored protein powder as well.
• Gluten-free quick oats or Oat flour: You can blend the oats into a fine oat flour if you do not have oat flour on hand. 
• Pumpkin puree: you can make your own if desired. Do not get pumpkin pie filling.
• Peanut butter: you can use your favorite nut butter
• Honey: maple syrup also works, but the stickiness of honey helps with binding the ingredients a bit more.
• Pumpkin pie spice: much needed to make this taste like fall
• Cinnamon: for warmth and spice 
• Pure vanilla extract: because you just need this 
• White chocolate chips mixed with coconut oil

How to Make Pumpkin Protein Bars

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until well combined.
2. Add the wet ingredients: pour all of your wet ingredients into your bowl o dry ingredients. Mix until you have a dough like consistency.
3. Pour and press into pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it down with a spatula or your hands. 
4. Melt White Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle over your bars.
5. Chill: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set, or in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes until the bars and white chocolate topping have firmed up.

Tips and Tricks 

• Blend oats: make sure to use oat flour or finely blend your oats to the perfect texture 
• Adjust sweetness: You can add more or less sweetener based on your preferences.
• Melt the peanut butter: To easily combine ingredients, you can slightly melt your nut butter in the microwave. 

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the protein powder?                                                      Yes! You can swap vanilla or unflavored protein powder for a plant-based protein, collagen peptides, or your favorite flavored protein. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on what you use.
2. Can I make these bars without peanut butter?
   Absolutely! You can use any nut or seed butter in place of peanut butter, like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. This makes the recipe more customizable for dietary restrictions or allergies.
3. Can I make these bars without maple syrup or honey?
   If you'd like to reduce the sugar content or avoid sweeteners, you can try using a sugar-free syrup or even mashed banana or applesauce for sweetness. Just note that the texture may change slightly.
4. How should I store the bars?
   You can store these pumpkin protein bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to store them longer, freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
5. Can I add any mix-ins to the bars?
   Definitely! You can add mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or even dark chocolate chips to give your bars an extra crunch or flavor boost.
6. Can I omit the white chocolate topping?
   Sure! If you'd prefer a lighter bar or want to reduce the sweetness, you can skip the white chocolate topping altogether. The bars will still taste great on their own!

If you make these Pumpkin Protein Bars, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Fall Recipes page.