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Pumpkin Protein Bars Recipe
I will always choose homemade protein bars over store-bought! The ingredients are better, they are WAY cheaper, and the flavor is so good. Especially when it comes to these Pumpkin Protein Bars!
Inspired by my Homemade Peanut Butter Protein Bars, these have a thin layer of chocolate magic shell that really take them up a notch. Even my kids love them! And I love the fact that they can be mixed together in just 10 minutes. All of the flavors of a fall treat, but in protein bar form!
Why You’ll Love It
- 14 g Protein – Every bar keeps you full and energized!
- 6 Simple Ingredients – You probably already have these ingredients in your pantry.
- Fall Vibes – All the cozy pumpkin spice flavor plus a rich chocolate topping, making for just the right amount of fall goodness.
- Easy to Make – Mix, press, chill, and slice – no baking required!
- Kid-Approved – Even my picky kids love these, so they’re great for the whole family.
RELATED: Protein Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients in Pumpkin Protein Bars
Pumpkin Protein Bars
- Rolled Oats
- Almond Meal – Almond flour works great, too!
- Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder – Or vanilla protein powder + 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice.
- Maple Syrup
- Pumpkin Puree
- Creamy Almond Butter – The creamier, the better! You can also use cashew butter or a mixed nut butter.
Chocolate Topping
How to Make Pumpkin Protein Bars
All you’ll need is an 8×8” baking pan and 10 minutes to get started. Then let the bars refrigerate to set, slice, and enjoy! Here’s how to make easy Pumpkin Protein Bars:
- Prep the pan: Line an 8×8” baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine oats, almond flour, and protein powder in a large bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and almond butter until it all comes together.
- Press into pan: Spoon the mixture into the baking pan, press it down evenly, and smooth out the top.
- Add chocolate layer: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together, then spread it over the bars.
- Chill and cut: Sprinkle with flaky salt (optional!) and chill until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!
More Healthy Protein Bars
Variations
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Skip the chocolate layer and just mix in mini chocolate chips for a quicker version!
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars: Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a twist that’s rich and nutty. I love this variation!
Vanilla Spice Bars: Use vanilla protein powder with an extra dash of pumpkin pie spice for a lighter, vanilla-forward flavor.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter and oat flour if you’re looking for a nut-free version of these protein bars.
White Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bars: Go full-on holiday vibes by swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips!
How to Store
Refrigerator – Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. They firm up nicely when chilled, making each bite extra satisfying! Just grab one whenever you need a quick, protein-packed snack.
Freezer – If you want to keep these bars on hand for longer, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes!
High-Protein Snacks Recipes
- Protein Peanut Butter Cups
- Iced High Protein Coffee
- Blueberry Banana Protein Muffins
- Protein Brownie Bites
- Monster Cookie Protein Frosty
- Protein Cheesecake
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Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
Pumpkin Protein Bars
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond meal or almond flour
- 1 cup pumpkin spice protein powder (or vanilla protein powder + 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup creamy almond butter
Chocolate Topping
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8" baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, and protein powder. Mix until evenly combined.
- Mix in the maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and creamy almond butter until the mixture is even.
- Spoon the mixture into the baking pan and lightly press until it's evenly spread out in the pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small bowl in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds).
- Pour the chocolate over the protein bar mixture and spread it into a thin layer.
- Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt on top (optional) and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the bars from the pan, slice into 10 bars, and place in an airtight container. Store for later and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Feel free to omit the chocolate topping and just mix in chocolate chips instead!
- To evenly flatten the protein bar mixture in the pan (without pressing it too firmly), it’s helpful to add a layer of parchment paper on top and use a spatula to smooth out the bars.
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