These pumpkin protein bars are so scrumptious and guilt-free!!! You would never guess they are healthy snacks, they just don’t taste that. So moist, rich and all things pumpkin. I haven’t used a drop of oil because I thought applesauce + pumpkin puree should do the trick, and I was right.
They are also gluten free which apparently is a big thing right now. I’m not following a gluten free diet but I believe in moderation. Sometimes, I bake with whole wheat flour and sometimes with oats, almond meal and coconut flours. I have even used quinoa for crunchy quinoa granola bars. I bought my first gluten free bread. It’s not bad at all.
These pumpkin protein bars would make a great breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. They taste like the most decadent cake or a muffin. Delicious! Try carrot cake baked oatmeal, next!
Even my kids said “wow” and they are usually hard to impress with any baked goods, although they seem to like no bake protein cookies, go figure! Even if it’s the sweetest Starbucks muffin, they do not love baked goods. Period. It makes it hard for me because the stuff I bake would be a great after school snack.
I often get asked if protein powder can be substituted in my recipes. Sometimes it can be and sometimes not. I think, although I haven’t tried (I should), you can use almond or any other nut flour instead of protein powder in this recipe. But I haven’t tried. When baking, most of the time I end up baking with protein powder because I can enjoy more of a good food.:)
Looking for more healthy pumpkin goodies? Try my pumpkin granola muffins, flourless pumpkin muffins with coconut, or pumpkin protein muffins.
You may also love these healthy snacks!
Pumpkin Protein Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
- 1/2 cup egg whites or 2 large eggs* use flax egg replacer for vegan version
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder aluminum free
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup plant-based protein powder vanilla (add extra 2-3 tbsp maple syrup if using unflavoured)**
- 1 1/2 cups quick or old fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten free oats for GF version
- 1/2 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
- Cooking spray I use Misto
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, line 8 x 8 square baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg whites, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and protein powder. Add oats and walnuts, stir well. Pour mixture in prepared baking dish, level with spatula and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a cooling rack to cool for another 30 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife into 8 or 10 bars***. Serve warm or cold.
Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- *Bars made with eggs will come out more moist and rich, but for a leaner version use egg whites - they still are super moist.
- **Substitute protein powder with almond or any nut flour. I haven't tried that though.
- ***For smaller portions cut into 10 bars.
Nutrition
Recipes and images are a copyright of ifoodreal.com. It is against the law to republish recipes without permission. Nutritional info is approximate.
Thank you Olena for all your delicious recipes that you’ve posted and shared with us. My husband and I have enjoyed every recipe that I have made of yours. You are an amazing cook and thank you for sharing your story with us. I just finished making pumpkin protein bars…..so delicious 😋, they are a perfect little snack to take with me when I’m out doing errands.
Kim 😊
Thanks for the kind words, so glad you are enjoying the recipes!
If we prefer not to use protein powder, can you suggest a substitute/amount?
Substitute protein powder with almond or any nut flour. We have not tested it that way, although a few others readers have said it works.
Super delicious Olena! This recipe is quite forgiving too because halfway through making it I clued in that it calls for protein powder. I didn’t have any so used barley flour and oat bran in its place and cooked it for 5 minutes longer and it came out firm and moist. I also used raisins and coconut flakes instead of the nuts I didn’t have. I will definitely make this again.
I am so glad the recipe worked out for you Marianne!
These are our favorite, have been making them for a few years. I make a double recipe because my kids love them for breakfast during school. I do way more pumpkin spice and add raisins. Delish. Thanks!!
I love hearing that you have been making these bars for years. Made my day and thank you for sharing Connie!
I can not wait to try! Do you know off hand the fiber content per bar? Thank you!
Yes, 6 grams. It is showing now.
Delicious! My entire family loves them. My husband was skeptical as I have tried my fair share of failed healthy recipes but this one proved him wrong. Thank you!
That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe, Steph!
I have made this repeatedly for the last five years. I prefer it to purchasing protein bars before I go to the gym. It’s healthy pumpkin pie. What’s not to like!
I agree. That is so amazing to hear! Glad you enjoyed my recipe, Shelley!
Fantastic! Heated them up for breakfast everyday for a week. Can’t wait to make again.
Fantastic! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I just meal-prepped this recipe for my breakfasts this week, and it is taking all my willpower to not eat the entire pan right now! I used whole eggs, and I omitted the honey. Thanks for the recipe!
You are welcome, Kat! We love this one too, especially now!
These are fabulous! I have tried numerous recipes with pumpkin & protein powder, EVERY ONE has ended up in the trash can! These were outstanding, I could have eaten the batter all by itself (I know, no raw eggs) but it was THAT good so I settled for the spoon after I put them in the oven to bake! Not too sweet, I used the honey option as I am not a maple syrup fan. Perfect sweet treat with minimal guilt! LOVE the high protein content!
Awesome!:)