These healthy homemade Pumpkin Protein Bars are the ultimate fall-inspired treat. They're packed with seasonal flavor, wholesome ingredients, and 11 grams of protein to fuel your day! They're perfect as a post-workout snack or on-the-go breakfast.
If you love pumpkin spice as much as I do, you’ll want to add these bars to your recipe collection. These homemade Pumpkin Protein Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious flavors of fall while fueling your body with high-quality ingredients.
Did you know that it's really easy to make your own homemade protein bars? These no-bake pumpkin protein bars are not only tasty but also made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
With 11 grams of protein per bar, they'll keep you fueled throughout the day. Plus, they're naturally gluten free (just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats) and refined sugar free.
Try them alongside my Pumpkin Spice Protein Balls for an easy snack or my Pumpkin Protein Bread or Pumpkin Banana Muffins for a grab-and-go breakfast option! They're even great as a healthy dessert.
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Why You'll Love This Dish
- Packed with Protein: With 11 grams of protein, they're perfect for a post-workout snack or breakfast on-the-go.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with clean, wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin, almond butter, and seasonal spices, and no refined sugars.
- No-Bake Convenience: These pumpkin pie protein bars come together quickly with no baking required.
- Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are classic fall flavors and the sweet chocolate and flaky sea salt take these bars to the next level!
Doctor’s Tips
- These homemade pumpkin protein bars provide a balanced mix of complex carbs, protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a great healthy snack to sustain your energy.
- Pumpkin adds a dose of vitamins A and C, which are key for eye health and immunity.
- It's important to include protein with your meals and snacks. With more protein, you'll feel fuller for longer, prevent blood sugar spikes, and give your muscles the fuel they need to thrive.
- Protein is also important for preserving muscle mass. Research suggests that spreading protein intake throughout the day allows our body to utilize it most efficiently.
- Want to learn more? Read my post on 30+ healthy high protein lunch ideas.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Oats- I use old-fashioned, rolled oats and grind them into a powder in a food processor. You can use certified gluten-free oats or oat flour (and skip the grinding step).
- Vanilla protein powder- Use your favorite protein powder; you can use whey protein powder or a plant-based protein powder.
- Canned pumpkin- Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has other ingredients added to it.
- Almond butter- Adds protein and healthy fats and helps binds the bars together. You can substitute natural peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Maple syrup- A natural sweetener; you can substitute honey
- Pumpkin pie spice- A combination of spices that adds that classic fall flavor
- Chocolate chips- I love adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on the bars; you can use semisweet or dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips.
- Sea salt- A sprinkling of flaky sea salt amplifies all the flavors and takes these bars to the next level!
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Bars Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Step 2- Use a food processor to grind the oats into a fine flour.
- Step 3- Add the oat flour and vanilla protein powder to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Step 4- Press the mixture evenly into a parchment paper-lined loaf pan.
- Step 5- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth.
- Step 6- Drizzle the chocolate over the bars, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Place the pan in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once set, cut into bars and serve.
Chef’s Tips
- Use a protein powder that you like the taste of because you will taste it in this dish. You can use whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder.
- Make these bars vegan by using a vegan protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Make these bars gluten free by using certified gluten-free oats.
- If you want a little crunch, you can top the bars with some pumpkin seeds.
- Store your pumpkin protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
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Recipe
Pumpkin Protein Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (or 1 ⅓ cups oat flour) (you can use certified gluten-free oats)
- ⅔ cup vanilla protein powder
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup almond butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
- Pulse the oats in a food processor until finely ground into flour.
- Add the oat flour and vanilla protein powder to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars, then sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Place the pan in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once set, cut into 8 bars and serve.
- Pumpkin protein bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a protein powder that you like the taste of because you will taste it in this dish. You can use whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder.
- Make these bars vegan by using a vegan protein powder and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Make these bars gluten free by using certified gluten-free oats.
- If you want a little crunch, you can top your bars with some pumpkin seeds.
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