Pumpkin Protein Bars

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!

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