Pumpkin protein bars! Need I say more?! Since you guys are OBSESSED with our peanut butter chocolate chip homemade perfect bars, of course, I needed to make a pumpkin version.
And it can’t be October and not be in full-on pumpkin mode. From creamy pumpkin soup, pumpkin butter, and pumpkin protein pancakes.
I honestly think these are better than the perfect bar pumpkin pie flavor. Made with just 4 ingredients (well 5 if you count salt), no baking required, and tastes like pumpkin pie in a protein bar form!
Each bar packs 18 grams of protein. They are sweetened with just the protein powder. They make a great snack, pre or post-workout snack, or even healthy dessert.
How to make pumpkin protein bars
With one bowl and just 4 ingredients (plus salt), these no-bake protein bars couldn’t be easy to make. You will be making them over and over again.
Here is what you need:
- almond butter
- pumpkin puree
- vanilla protein powder – I used Orgain
- pumpkin pie spice
- salt
First, add your almond butter and pumpkin puree to a medium-size bowl and mix well to combine. Next add protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix well until combined. It will get crumbly at first but then will come together in a large dough ball.
The consistency should almost be a little thicker and dryer than cookie dough and hold together well. If needed, add a little more protein to absorb any extra liquid.
Line a bread loaf pan with parchment paper to allow for easy removal. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. If desired, place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up some (I like doing this). Finally, cut it into 6 equal-sized bars and enjoy!
Tips for homemade protein bars
Here are a few tips to help ensure the best homemade pumpkin spice protein bars:
- make sure to mix your almond butter well – when using all-natural nut butter, the oil can separate and sit on the top. Make sure to mix well so it is thoroughly combined.
- use a thicker protein powder – the protein powder is what absorbs the liquid and is the flour of the recipe. You do not want one that dissolves easily in things (like collagen), or you will have to use a lot more. I used the brand Orgain and it works really well.
- use salt!! – trust me, it brings out the pumpkin flavor so much! Don’t skip it!
Substitutions for pumpkin protein bars
This vegan protein bar recipe is so simple, but there are a few things you can change to fit your needs. Here are some suggestions:
- nut butter – any nut butter should work. I tested with both cashew butter and almond butter and both were great. Peanut butter would also be delicious and you can use seed butter if you can’t have nuts. I love sunflower seed butter and tahini. If using another seed or nut butter and it is runny, make sure it is stirred really well as it is not too oily.
- spices – if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Usually, there is more cinnamon than the other spices in pumpkin pie spice, but you will just want a total of 1 1/2 tablespoons of combined spices to keep the ratio the same.
- protein powder – I like vanilla plant-based protein in these pumpkin protein bars recipe because it adds some sweetness and the consistency works the best. You will want a thicker consistency to help absorb the liquid of the pumpkin and almond butter. I find plant-based protein usually has that. If you don’t have plant-based protein, you can substitute your favorite protein, but I would be careful of the ratios. I tried collagen and it didn’t work as well as it wasn’t thick enough (you would probably need to use way more). Protein powders vary by consistency and how dense they are, so I would add a little less than the recipe calls for and add as you need for the best consistency. You can always add, but you can never take away!
Additions for pumpkin protein bars
To spice things up some, add some of these additions:
- sweetener – if you find you want these protein bars a little sweeter, you can add a little honey or maple syrup. I found since using the vanilla-flavored protein powder you didn’t need it, but if using an unflavored variety, you might want it.
- chocolate chips – add some chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a pumpkin and chocolate combo!
- dried fruit – dried cranberries or raisins would be delicious
Copycat pumpkin perfect bar nutrition
These homemade pumpkin perfect bars calorie and macro breakdown are pretty similar to the store-bought kind. Homemade comes in at 288 calories with 18 grams of protein, 17 grams of carbs, 20 grams of fat, and 2.5 grams of sugar. Store-bought has 310 calories with 14 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbs, 19 grams of fat, and 16 grams of sugar. Homemade has a little fewer calories and carbs, a little more protein, and less sugar.
The nutrition breakdown will depend on what kind of protein powder you use though.
How to store homemade protein bars
Pumpkin protein bars can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. Store in a tightly sealed glass container with a lid or covered with saran wrap to keep the air out. If exposed to the air too long, they will dry out some.
You can also freeze them. I suggest freezing individually and then defrosting the night before you want to eat.
More healthy protein snacks
- perfect bar recipe (peanut butter chocolate chip)
- protein yogurt bowl
- oatmeal raisin bars
- no-bake protein cookies
- pumpkin chocolate chip protein muffins
Pumpkin Protein Bars
ingredients
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (180 grams)
- 3/4 cup natural almond butter (192 grams)
- 1 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder (150 grams) (see notes)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin spice spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
instructions
- Line a bread loaf pan* with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add your pumpkin puree and almond butter and mix well until combined and smooth. Add your protein powder, pumpkin spice, and salt and mix well to combine. It will get crumbly at first but then will come together in a large dough ball. The consistency should almost be a little thicker and dryer than cookie dough and hold together well. If needed, add a little more protein to absorb any extra liquid.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. If desired, place in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up some (I like doing this). Cut into 6 equal-sized bars and enjoy!* Store in the fridge for up to a week in a tightly sealed container.
video
notes
- make sure to mix your almond butter well – when using all-natural nut butter, the oil can separate and sit on the top. Make sure to mix well so it is thoroughly combined.
- use a thicker protein powder – the protein powder is what absorbs the liquid and is the flour of the recipe. You do not want one that dissolves easily in things (like collagen), or you will have to use a lot more. I used the brand Orgain and it works really well.
- if your batter comes out wet, you can do a few things. I suggest adding a little coconut flour, oats, or oat flour to help absorb the liquid (coconut flour has worked well for you guys). Slowly add until you reach the desired consistency.
- use salt!! – trust me, it brings out the pumpkin flavor so much! Don’t skip it!
nutrition
Karen says
Unusual texture, as I didn’t have Orgain protein powder, and used whey instead. I think the Orgain must have other ingredients in it, as mine were not sweet at all, and I couldn’t seem to add enough sweetener to make them taste good. The Orgain may also have some thickeners or other ingredients that would improve the texture. I’m sure they’d be good if I followed the recipe!!
Kelly says
Hey Karen! Hope you were still able to enjoy them! Unfortunately, whey will give them a totally different texture as a plant-based protein is thicker as is more like your typical flour where whey dissolves pretty easily. I find Orgain is pretty sweet too. Some people have added coconut flour if using another protein and that has helped some with texture.
Laura says
Delicious!they came out a bit mushy my first time making them (still very delicious!) and I didn’t want to add more protein powder, so I added 2 graham crackers sheets. Did the trick!
Kelly says
Yum! That sounds so good! So glad you were able to tweak them some to get the desired consistency. Thanks for trying them, Laura!
Sheri Palmer says
Loved them and so did everyone who tried them. I made mine into small balls and rolled them into rolled oats. I doubled the recipe and added chocolate chips to one half. Super easy to make. Thank you.
Kelly says
Love the addition of chocolate chips! Thanks for trying them Sheri!
Leslie Gillis says
I’m sad to say these didn’t turn out very well. I used a “thick” vanilla protein powder but the batter was still pretty sticky. I was able to spread it in the pan and I put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. They are just a sticky mess. I’m so sad to have waisted a lot of expensive protein powder and peanut butter.
Kelly says
Hey Leslie, so sorry to hear they didn’t turn out for you. I’ve had many people try them and not have that issue so wondering what protein powder you used? I would guess that would be the culprit. If your nut butter was super oily, that would contribute as well. If that does happen, you can always add a little flour (I suggest oat or coconut) to help the batter come together.
Sue says
These are so very simple to make. And satisfying!! I never knew you could do this with protein powder. So I’m hooked now. Thanks for this amazing recipe.
Kelly says
Happy to hear you like them, Sue! Protein powder really is so versatile. Thanks for trying them!
Janet says
I LOVE these protein bars. I made them for the first time a few weeks ago and have been making them on repeat ever since. I too, used Orgain protein powder. Tried them with almond and cashew butter and prefer cashew, but both are great! I like to eat them post-workout or as an afternoon snack. GREAT recipe!
Kelly says
So happy to hear that Janet! I will have to try cashew butter too! Thanks for trying them!
Abbie says
I was so stoked to see that I had all these ingredients on hand! These are absolutely delicious! I ran out of protein powder but was given helpful tips by Kelly!
I used Almond butter & peanut butter + cinnamon as well. I can’t wait to make these again for a quick breakfast or before the gym 🤌🏼 10/10!
Kelly says
Love that combo of nut butter! Thanks for trying them Abbie and I’m glad you enjoyed!