Welcome, health enthusiasts and pumpkin lovers alike! Today, we’re diving into the world of nutritious snacking with a recipe that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with the muscle-building power of protein.
Say hello to our Pumpkin Protein Bars – a delectable treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping you energized throughout the day.
These no heat pumpkin protein bars are vegetarian, sans dairy and without gluten. They are softly improved and loaded with protein and energy making them the ideal pre or post-exercise bite or even an incredible in and out breakfast.
Why Pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t just reserved for autumnal lattes and pies; it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This vibrant squash is rich in vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene that help protect your cells from damage. Plus, pumpkin adds natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods without the need for excessive amounts of sugar or fat.
The Protein Boost:
To turn our pumpkin bars into a true nutritional powerhouse, we’re incorporating high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
By adding protein to your snacks, you can maintain steady energy levels and support your fitness goals.
Why you need these protein pumpkin bars
As a Dietitian I treat my snacks In a serious way. At the point when that yearning strikes I want a tidbit and I want it as quickly as time permits.
Which is the reason I love having in and out snacks available like these gluten free dairy free protein bars! They are the ideal, simple, no prepare choice for hen I’m in a period crunch.
The following are three motivations behind why I love these pumpkin energy bars (and you will as well):
- They are the perfect balanced snack- With starches and fiber from the pumpkin and oats, some solid fat from the peanut butter and great protein from the protein powder,these pumpkin protein bars are the ideal adjusted nibble to oversee glucose spikes and guarantee you stay full for a couple of hours.
- They taste like fall- These little bars not exclusively are loaded with dietary advantages yet they additionally taste precisely like your #1 pumpkin pie. Loaded up with warm flavors like ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg these are going to be your new go-to fall nibble.
- They are SO easy to make (and no-bake)- Have I referenced my adoration for no-prepare recipes yet? Who doesn’t cherish a recipe that requires just a single bowl, under 8 fixings and requires just 5 minutes to make? Assuming that you’re searching for a simple high protein nibble recipe you’ve tracked down it.
Bonus: They are likewise gluten free dairy free protein bars for anybody with sensitivities, bigotries or way of life decisions.
What Ingredients do I need for pumpkin energy bars ?
- Pumpkin puree- Ensure you use pumpkin PUREE not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling accompanies the flavors and sugar previously blended into the can, though pumpkin puree is simply pumpkin! I’ve committed this error previously (and at present have 2 jars of pumpkin pie filling in the cabinet).
- Peanut butter- The paste that holds these pumpkin protein bars together. I regularly utilize normal peanut butter (search for one with the main fixings being peanuts and salt). I simply find I like how it tastes better! Anyway any peanut butter or more unbiased tasting nut spread (ie. cashew, almond and so forth) will work! I likewise love that it adds a wellspring of sound fats making these the ideal bite.
- Coconut oil- This helps give the mixture somewhat more dampness. I find it works impeccably to add dampness without adding flavor. On the off chance that you don’t have coconut oil available you can substitute it for an additional two tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Protein powder- This helps give these protein bars the protein viewpoint haha! I like utilizing my #1 protein (I love the vanilla flavor in these!). On the off chance that you don’t have protein powder close by you can substitute this for extra oat flour or even collagen powder in the event that you are not veggie lover.
- Maple syrup- For some regular pleasantness! I have just at any point involved maple syrup for these protein pumpkin bars. In the event that you truly do attempt to substitute with honey or some other fluid better told me how it goes in the remarks! You can likewise utilize sugar free maple syrup like this one.
- Oat flour- I love utilizing oat flour in these for an additional entire grains and fiber to these gluten free protein bars! It truly helps make them the ideal bite and gives that durable energy I search for in an energy bar. To make my oat flour I simply mix an equivalent measure of oats in a powerful blender or food processor. Note: in the event that you are sans gluten ensure your oats are affirmed gluten free.
- Pumpkin pie zest For comfort I utilized a pumpkin pie flavor mix for these protein pumpkin bars. In the event that you don’t have a pre-blended flavor mix close by you can make your own effectively simply by joining ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves (this recipe is perfect) and saving it for the entire season.
- Chocolate- absolutely discretionary (yet Enthusiastically suggested on the grounds that chocolate improves everything as I would see it). To keep these plant-based attempt these without dairy chocolate chips! White chocolate chips would likewise be astonishing in these pumpkin protein bars.
How to make gluten free protein bars
Presently it’s the ideal opportunity for the Simple aspect!
Whenever you’ve assembled your fixings: Snatch a huge blending bowl, consolidate your pumpkin puree, peanut butter, maple syrup, protein powder, pumpkin pie zest, oat flour and coconut oil.
Blend until completely joined ( you might have to take care of business to guarantee all the powder is totally worked into the mixture.
When your batter is prepared, go ahead and blend in any extra blend ins you would like! My undisputed top choices incorporate chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, cleaved walnuts or even butterscotch chips.
Line a 8×8 square baing skillet with material paper (I would profoundly recommend not skirting this step as it helps for simple expulsion and tidy up).
Press your protein bar batter into the container. Note: the harder you pack down your batter the more probable the bars will be to remain together.
Discretionary: Shower or pour softened chocolate over your protein bars. Another choice is to sprinkle with some cinnamon and sugar daintily! Place your portion dish in the cooler and permit the chocolate to solidify or the mixture to set.
Following a couple of hours, eliminate the portion container, cut your pumpkin protein bars into 12 bars and appreciate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use almond flour instead of oat flour?
I have not by and by tried this recipe with any flour other than oat flour. Anyway almond flour ought to work you may simply have to somewhat change the fluid estimations to oblige for the exceptionally permeable almond flour.
Do I have to use oat flour or can I just use oats?
I for one suggest staying with oat flour. In the event that you have no oat flour close by you can without much of a stretch make your own simply by mixing oats in the blender until smooth. I Figure utilizing unblended oats would work, I simply am uncertain the way that well they will stay together! Assuming you choose to attempt let me in on how it turned out in the remarks.
HELP! My protein bars are too dry what do I do?
This might occur in the event that you are utilizing nut margarine that isn’t adequately runny! Simply include a little extra coconut oil or a couple of tablespoons of water and you ought to be all set.
Do I need to use protein powder?
Nope! You most certainly don’t have to. In spite of the fact that I like adding protein powder to my pumpkin energy bars for some additional protein, you can forget about it simply by adding an equivalent measure of extra oat flour and a smidgen more maple syrup for added pleasantness! Another option is utilizing collagen powder in the event that you are not vegetarian.
How can I store these gluten free protein bars?
I for one prefer to store my protein bars in the cooler! The coconut oil and peanut butter guarantee the bars don’t turn unshakable so they are still simple to eat straight out of the cooler! They likewise store well in a sir tight compartment in the cooler for as long as 7 days.
More high protein snack ideas
Assuming you adored these protein pumpkin bars you Really want to attempt a greater amount of my high protein nibble thoughts. A portion of my top choices include:
- Comforting Sausage Spinach Pasta Bake
- Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice (One Pan)
- Super Easy Loaded Hummus
- 5 Minute Meal Prep Mason Jar Omelettes
- 5-Minute Air Fryer Kale Chips Recipe
Recipe
Pumpkin Protein Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add the vanilla protein powder, rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and form a thick, sticky dough.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly with a spatula or your hands.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles.
Enjoying Your Pumpkin Protein Bars: These Pumpkin Protein Bars are perfect for enjoying as a quick breakfast on the go, a pre-workout snack, or a satisfying treat any time of day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze individual bars for longer-term storage.
Conclusion:
With their overpowering pumpkin flavor, fulfilling surface, and protein-pressed goodness, these Pumpkin Protein Bars make certain to turn into a staple in your solid nibbling collection.
Prepare a cluster today and enjoy a nutritious treat that supports your body and pleasures your taste buds. Cheerful eating.
