These Pumpkin Protein Bars taste just like pumpkin pie, but they are easy, healthy and great for on the go breakfasts or snacks!
This is the story about a man named Johnny, a man named Johnny, a man named Johnny. This is the story about a man named Johnny and Johnny was his NAMEEEEEEEE
Sing it A…
Ok. I’ll stop. But, do you know that song? Basically you repeat it over and over and over and over until you make your parents want to disown you as a child. It’s especially fun to sing on REALLY long road trips when you’re with your cousins, so there is more people to aid in the sing-age.
Not that I did that growing up.
I also didn’t make up my own version about the song being about a candle named candle.
I could be lying about that though. (I’m not.)
This isn’t actually about a man named Johnny (Mr. FFF would be sad) OR a candle named candle. I just sat down, started wondering what to write, and that song popped into my head.
So I typed it.
Are you surprised?
That’s what I thought.
HOW-EV-ER, there IS a story about these Pumpkin Protein Bars (are your surprised? The sequel) so pull up a chair, grab your cup of coffee and come cuddle.
Errrr. Come sit. Right.
Once upon a time in a kitchen far, far away, there was a girl named Taylor. She loved creating tasty treats, especially when they were healthy homemade protein bars that pumpkin.. One day, she decided to embark on the journey of a lifetime and channel that love into what she thought were going to be delicious bars full of protein and pumpkin perfection.
That was until the ANGRY BAD FOOD Dragon monster struck her recipe-creating abilities right in the heart. 15 TIMES.
The end.
Well. Sort of. Because I bet you’re really confused and no amount of coffee or energy bites are bringing you any clarity. The usual.
First off. There really was no dragon in my kitchen. Unless you count Mr. FFF right after waking up, but this is neither here nor there.
Dragons just make better stories. We all watched Shrek.
Second, the whole “striking in the heart 15 times” things means I literally tested this recipe 15 TIMES. Like one five. 1 5. 1 + 5. Wait. That’s only 6. 10 + 5. There.
You get it.
I usually have a 3 times and you’re out approach to recipe development, HOW-EV-ER, each time they got better and better. I also really just wanted to be able to create something that tasted like pumpkin pie, but I could eat it on the reg’. You understand.
BUT, you know what, the 15th time was a charm. These homemade protein bars have like -5 ingredients (read: 9. Which is less fingers than you have and WAY less than the ingredient list on store bought bars) and they are SOFT like SO to the FT
Whatever that means.
They’re also full of spice and have a little bit of CRUNCHY CRUNCHY NUM on top. Just to keep your taste buds interested.
You know what I say to that?
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
You thought I forgot.
Now, go and eat ALL the protein bars to COMPLETELY counter-act those mini chocolate bars that I know you are going to steal from your kidlets.
RIGHT.
Make sure to also check out the Pumpkin Protein Bar recipe over on Food Fanatic!
For step-by-step instruction of this recipe, watch my video tutorial below:
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND NEVER MISS A RECIPE! New recipes posted each week!
FOR THIS RECIPE, I RECOMMEND:
Want more protein packed snackage?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Truffles
Healthy Almond Joy “Cheesecake”
Pumpkin Protein Bars from around the web:
Pumpkin Protein Bars with Blueberries, Cranberries and Pecans – The Gold Lining Girl
Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Bars – Healthful Pursuit
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Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
October 31, 2014 at 4:10 amUm I love you for this delicious treat! I do love my protein granola bars in the afternoon and these look purrrrrfect for fall! And to counteract stealing my niece and nephews candy….!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:11 amEXACTLY. It totally negates chocolate consumption 😉 Thanks lady!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
October 31, 2014 at 4:37 amHappy Halloween Taylor! These are like pumpkin bread made into healthy protein bars!!!! !!!! !!! perfection 😉 pinning! I want some of these right now! have a super great weekend!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:10 amHappy Halloween to you too Michele!!
Thanks for the love and pin! Pumpkin protein bars for all! 😀
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
October 31, 2014 at 5:06 amThese pumpkin protein bars look so good, Taylor! I love that they only contain five ingredients and are so full of pumpkin flavor. And that crunchy topping sounds like the perfect touch! Love it!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:10 amI need a little crunch with my soft ya know?! 😉 Thanks Gayle!! 😀
Liz+@+Floating+Kitchen says
October 31, 2014 at 5:14 amWell, it looks like all your efforts were worth it. These look delicious! Happy Halloween, Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:10 amWell thank you Liz!! Happy Halloween to you too!
Aggie says
October 31, 2014 at 5:20 amOh Taylor, I really love how these look and sound! Can you believe I’ve never made protein bars? My kids would love these.
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:09 amWHAT?! You need to make some girl, so easy! Thanks so much!
Lynn+Lovejoy+at+Order+in+the+Kitchen says
October 31, 2014 at 5:40 amOMG girl these look soooo good! Care package? Pretty please? No? I have to make them myself? OK fine you win, I’ll make them this weekend 😉
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:09 amHAHA! If I could send you some, I would 😉 But making them yourself is a very good second option!
Thanks girl!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
October 31, 2014 at 5:44 amI definitely need to make my own protein bars! These sound great friend!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:08 amThanks girl!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
October 31, 2014 at 5:46 amThese look great Taylor! I could use some good protein bars in my life (and love that they are fall flavored with pumpkin!).
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:08 amRight? Yay for healthy fall goodness! Thanks girl!
Mira says
October 31, 2014 at 5:52 amWhat a pretty looking protein bars and you got some of my favorite flavors in these! How amazing to test the recipe so many times, but you totally nailed it. Love the pictures! Pinned and will try them!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:08 amThank you SO much Mira! I hope you love them! Please let me know if you try them 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
October 31, 2014 at 5:56 am15 times?! Girl, you must have like a freezer FULL of these gorgeous bars (and if that’s true, I’m comin’ over) I seriously love how sneak protein powder into so many different things—-these bars are totally stunning and I WANT.
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:07 amHaha…no, I have a garbage full 😉
Thanks so much lady! Happy Halloween!!
Mike+@TheIronYou says
October 31, 2014 at 6:30 amThose look amazing T and I could definitely use a couple right now – I just went for a 14 miles run and my muscles are craving protein and nutrients. Pinned!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:07 amOH GOSH. That is long! I am about to go get my lift on as well!
Thanks Mike 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
October 31, 2014 at 6:47 amThese look like the most fall-perfect breakfast bars!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:07 amThanks so much Bianca!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
October 31, 2014 at 7:06 amThese sound AMAZING! Gorgeous photos, too. These bars are definitely worth 15 tries 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 7:06 amThank you Genevieve!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
October 31, 2014 at 7:31 amWooow, I so admire your perseverence! Sometimes I give up after 2 fails. Haha. I decide it’s impossible. That’s just sad on my part. But these were worth it! They look incredible! I love all the pecans on top. I also love your math skills! Lol! That was hilarious.
Thank you SO MUCH for including a link to my recipe, lady! That was so nice! HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you and Mr. FFF! Hope it’s spooky and fun-filled. 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:06 pmThat is NOT sad! Honestly, I should give up quicker sometimes. It would be better on my grocery bills 😉
Thanks Sarah!!
And, you’re SO WELCOME. If I see something I wanna eat, then I wanna share it! Happy Halloween to you too!
Catalina+@+Shades+of+Pink says
October 31, 2014 at 8:13 ammy protein powder just arrived in the mail, and I have my pumpkin puree, so I know what I am doing next 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:05 pmYAH YOU DO! 😉 Thanks Catalina!
Becky says
October 31, 2014 at 9:33 amYum! What kind of protein powder do you prefer? I am just getting into the protein powder world and haven’t found one I just love yet.
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:04 pmMy most favorite EVER is called “trutein” http://bodynutrition.com/product/trutein-whey-casein-egg-white/ But I buy it on bodybuilding.com because it’s cheaper, and they ship REALLY FAST!
They make some AWESOME flavours like pumpkin pie, lemon meringue pie and cinnamon bun!! 🙂 You gotta try it!
Katharine says
October 31, 2014 at 11:06 amThese would be most tasty for breakfast, which is when I usually have a protein shake (it’s still protein!). However…..these look better….and I haven’t gotten enough pumpkin in my life lately 🙁 This needs to be remedied.
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:03 pmI think you found your answer then 😉 Thanks Katharine!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
October 31, 2014 at 12:52 pmThose look like an awesome snack! I love them, the idea of pumpkin pie in a healthy bar is pretty much the best ever. Also, I would love to steal candy from my kiddos, but they KNOW! How is that possible when they have giant bags of chocolate is what I’d like to know!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:02 pmRIGHT? Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie that you can eat in your skinny jeans 😉
WHAT? THEY KNOW! That is insane. And really sad for you!! 🙁
Thanks girlfriend!
Charlotte Moore says
October 31, 2014 at 2:49 pmMight have to try these. Adding protein sounds good.
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 3:01 pmIt’s a sneaky and tasty way to get some extra protein! Thanks Charlotte!
Arman+@+thebigmansworld says
October 31, 2014 at 3:46 pmGlad you kept your eye on the prize…these look amazing!
Taylor Kiser says
October 31, 2014 at 4:24 pmThank you Arman!
Nutmeg+Nanny says
October 31, 2014 at 6:39 pmWell these little bars should be re-named “little pumpkin bars of happiness” because that is exactly what they are 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
November 1, 2014 at 5:17 amHaha! Thanks lady!
chanelle says
November 1, 2014 at 6:34 am15 tries?! Wow, these must be good. I’m not a truvia fan, any suggestions for a different sweetener? Maybe I’ll just swap it out for coconut sugar.
Taylor Kiser says
November 1, 2014 at 7:09 amHmm… i can’t say for sure, as I didn’t develop the recipe any other way. Coconut sugar would most likely work! However, I have found it to be a little LESS sweet than Truvia, so you may need to add a little bit – depending on how sweet you like your protein bars! I hope that helps!
Paige says
November 16, 2014 at 8:04 amHoney, Agave, Any other kind of Stevia, or try grinding up some pitted dates in your food processor 🙂 Dates always seem to be the perfect sweetness for me.
Taylor Kiser says
November 16, 2014 at 12:22 pmThanks Paige! I love dates!
marla says
November 2, 2014 at 4:37 amThese bars look delicious!! Pinned 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
November 2, 2014 at 6:37 amThank you Marla!! 😀
Heather says
November 2, 2014 at 11:16 amHow do I get the pumpkin? Do I roast a full pumpkin & scrape it out or???
Taylor Kiser says
November 2, 2014 at 1:51 pmHi! No stupid questions! Nope, you actually use the pumpkin purree from a can – definitely a lot easier!
Just make sure you buy “Canned pumpkin puree, 100% pumpkin” not the canned pumpkin pie filling – it’s loaded with sugar and other things! Oh, and I usually use “Libby’s” Brand…you can find it ANYWHERE! 🙂
I hope that helps!
Lilli @ Sugar and Cinnamon says
November 2, 2014 at 2:18 pmYum these bars look great! What an awesome combination of flavours 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
November 2, 2014 at 3:34 pmThanks so much Lilli!
Karen says
November 4, 2014 at 3:26 pmso I know this is against the whole point, but could I make these without the protein powder and with regular sugar? I just want something punpkiny and these sound good but I’m not up to searching all over for hard to find ingredients right now.
Taylor Kiser says
November 4, 2014 at 3:41 pmUnfortunately I can’t tell you for sure, as I have not tested the recipe that way but I definitely think it could work. I would recommend adding an extra Tbsp or two of the oats to replace the absorbancy of the protein powder! I would also test the batter after 3 Tbsp of sugar, and then add the last Tbsp if needed, as sugar can sometimes be sweeter than Truvia! I hope that helps! 🙂
Chris+@+Shared+Appetite says
November 7, 2014 at 10:44 amMmmmm…. these look good enough to look like dessert but healthy enough to be protein healthy goodness. I’m a fan! And Taylor… that 5th photo from the top… the overhead one… is by far my fave photo of yours ever. Really great composition! And I need to need to need to know… where did you get that backdrop from?!?!??!
Taylor Kiser says
November 7, 2014 at 2:16 pmThanks so much Chris, I was really happy with these photos!
OMG. Search erickson woodworks on Etsy. I just got 5 boards from them and I am obsessed!!! It’s from there 🙂
Jaren+(Diary+of+a+Recipe+Collector) says
November 7, 2014 at 12:18 pmI love that these have protein in them! Thanks for linking up with SNF! Pinned to our party board!
Taylor Kiser says
November 7, 2014 at 2:15 pmYay! Thanks Jaren!
Emily says
November 8, 2014 at 5:48 amlooks so good! I love how healthy these are! thanks for linking up to the Create LInk Inspire party. You are being featured today on Nap-Time Creations in some great fall food!! Check it out! Emily
Taylor Kiser says
November 8, 2014 at 6:35 pmThank you so much Emily, I will!
Paige says
November 16, 2014 at 8:02 amIs there a good substitute for eggs in this recipe?? 🙁 I have an egg allergy.
Taylor Kiser says
November 16, 2014 at 12:22 pmUnfortunately I am not at all familiar with egg subs, and eggs are a huge part of the recipe so I can’t offer a solution! I am so sorry! Maybe someone out there can help???
Jaime says
November 18, 2014 at 4:05 pmSorry, another egg question… Did you try it with whole eggs? I have farm fresh eggs and I hate not putting in those fresh, nutritious yolks. But if it destroys the bars I dont want to do it.
Taylor Kiser says
November 18, 2014 at 6:44 pmI can’t say that I have tried it with whole eggs, I am sorry! I generally use liquid egg whites for recipes such as this, so I don’t have to get rid of the yolks 🙂
Melissa Gatlin says
November 27, 2014 at 11:43 amCan you use whole eggs .. it doesn’t look like you used egg whites for stiffening. Did you do a calorie/nutrition count for these?
Melissa Gatlin says
November 27, 2014 at 11:45 amNEVER MIND .. FOUND YOU HAD ANSWERED THIS AS FAR AS WHOLE EGGS.
Taylor Kiser says
November 27, 2014 at 12:58 pmHi Melissa. Unfortunately, as I have previously had an eating disorder, I do not count calorie…but you can easy figure that out through a program like my fitness pal http://www.myfitnesspal.com/
Thank you!
Hannah says
May 18, 2015 at 7:02 pmThese look so amazing! I’m excited to try them! How well do they freeze? I’m planning on making multiple types of protein bars and chucking a majority of them in the freezer. I’m just curious on how well they freeze and for how long?
Taylor Kiser says
May 19, 2015 at 6:08 amHonestly, I haven’t tried freezing them as they never lasted long, so I can’t be of too much help. Personally, I think they might get a little weird, being made up of a lot of eggs. Sorry that doesn’t help much! Please let me know if you try it!
GiGi Eats says
September 8, 2015 at 1:15 pmGirl, you really never cease to amaze me with your culinary skills!!! I wish you were my neighbor… I’d have you make me something on the daily… Wait, I guess it’s goo your not, cause I would put on like 20 pounds in a week ha ha ha!
Taylor Kiser says
September 8, 2015 at 4:06 pmHaha, no you wouldn’t! I stay thin 😉 Thanks chica!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
September 28, 2015 at 7:43 amHi Taylor!
I’d love to include your pumpkin protein bars in a gluten-free pumpkin recipe roundup I’m doing for Parade Magazine.
If you’re fine with that, could I use one of your photos with a link back to your original post (http://www.foodfaithfitness.com/pumpkin-protein-bars/)?
Thanks!
Felicia
Taylor Kiser says
September 28, 2015 at 10:52 amHi Felicia! Thanks for asking! You totally can, just as long as the full recipe isn’t posted! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Patricia Hetherington says
October 14, 2015 at 11:16 amwhat is the macro nutrient count?
Taylor Kiser says
October 14, 2015 at 5:14 pmJust added a nutritional label for you under the recipe – hope that helps! Thanks!
Patricia Hetherington says
October 14, 2015 at 5:29 pmthank you!
Taylor Kiser says
October 14, 2015 at 5:31 pmAnytime! 😀
Tia says
October 14, 2015 at 3:48 pmWould it be possible to skip the truvia? Or do you think this wouldn’t be the same without it? I am working on getting rid of most sweetners in my food that dosnt naturally occur.. This sounds super yummie though!
Taylor Kiser says
October 14, 2015 at 5:04 pmUnfortunately, I really don’t think they will taste good at all without any sweetener. You COULD try subbing a natural granulated sugar like coconut sugar? But, I have not tested the recipe as such so I can’t really speak for how it will turn out or taste – I am so sorry! If you try something, please let me know! Thanks!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
October 30, 2015 at 9:13 amHealthy pumpkin pie always sounds good to me! These bars look amazing!
Taylor Kiser says
October 30, 2015 at 10:49 amThank you Stacey!
Megan says
September 11, 2016 at 10:25 amJust made these with my daughter…we added about a quarter cup 9f chopped dark chocolate! So we will let you know how that works and tastes…i almost forgot the truvia because i didnt read it in the recipe steps…did i overlook it or is it missing from the steps?
Taylor Kiser says
September 11, 2016 at 3:05 pmI saw you comment on IG, I am SO happy you loved these. Chocolate chips are OBVIOUSLY a great addition!!
Oh my gosh! It is missing – thank you so much for letting me know!!
Annie says
September 23, 2016 at 12:09 pmThese look amazing! I can’t wait to try them 🙂 Thanks for testing them 15 times to get them just right!
Taylor Kiser says
September 23, 2016 at 5:20 pmLol you are totally welcome! Hope you love!
Sharon says
August 8, 2017 at 11:18 pmHi there! Just found this on Pinterest and wanted to say thanks! I am new to baking with protein, and let me tell you it’s hard to find recipes that don’t include almond or coconut flour (not that I’m against them, I just never have those ingredients on hand). This was exactly what I was looking for. I made them as muffins and they turned out great (I made 9 and baked them for about 23 minutes). Also, I don’t like stevia so I added 3 tbsp of brown sugar instead. And just in case anyone is wondering, rolled oats work fine but I think instant oats definitely would have been better. Thanks again!
Taylor Kiser says
August 9, 2017 at 10:27 amThank YOU for sharing your findings! SO glad you love them! <3
Ginny Smith says
March 27, 2018 at 5:56 pmThese. Are. AMAZING!!!! I just had a feeling…after 15 tries, they probably aren’t awful. LOL. I needed a make-ahead, easy, healthy snack for my hubs to grab before his 5:30 am workout. Because…you know…I’m not about to get up and make him something at THAT hour. This recipe totally delivers!!! The whole family loved them, and they’re all super picky. Thank you!
Taylor Kiser says
March 28, 2018 at 1:10 pmHaha! SO glad you love them!
Janet says
October 20, 2018 at 9:48 pmI’m kind of putting oats back on the table because they’re just so good for you! But maybe not this much at a time. Would it be possible to put only 1/2 cup oats and substitute something else for the other half cup? Low carb, as I’m diabetic. Thanks!
Taylor Kiser says
October 21, 2018 at 1:28 pmYou can try, but I really can’t tell you how that will work as recipes are only tested as written. Hope you understand!
Sheri says
November 18, 2018 at 7:29 pmWhat is wrong with you? Can’t you just put a recipe up without going on and on and on about childish things? Don’t you know adults with busy lives are making these recipes? Don’t you realize we don’t want to scroll and scroll and scroll past your jibbetish just to look at a recipe to find out if it might possibly be suitable? Good grief I hope you don’t do this on your other recipes.
Taylor Kiser says
November 19, 2018 at 11:46 amHi Sheri. This is a blog, which by definition is a story, it’s not a site like Allrecipes. It takes you 5 seconds to scroll – you don’t have to read the words! Thanks.
Michelle says
November 27, 2018 at 12:19 pmOMG this comment is so ridiculously rude! This is HER blog and she can post whatever she wants! How dare you criticize the content of her posts when she is so kindly sharing her own recipes with the community. This is a post that YOU chose to click on and scroll through when you could have simply exited the page and visited Allrecipes like she mentioned. Instead you decided to leave a nasty comment that was totally unecessary and embarassing on your part.
Taylor Kiser says
November 27, 2018 at 1:38 pmThank you so much Michelle!!
Brenda says
January 1, 2019 at 1:54 pmI guess it’s Sheri’s first time on the internet. Good luck, Sheri! You’re going to be pretty disappointed with THAT attitude!
Taylor Kiser says
January 2, 2019 at 1:55 pm<3 <3