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
Um 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
EXACTLY. It totally negates chocolate consumption 😉 Thanks lady!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
Happy 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
Happy Halloween to you too Michele!!
Thanks for the love and pin! Pumpkin protein bars for all! 😀
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These 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
I need a little crunch with my soft ya know?! 😉 Thanks Gayle!! 😀
Liz+@+Floating+Kitchen says
Well, it looks like all your efforts were worth it. These look delicious! Happy Halloween, Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
Well thank you Liz!! Happy Halloween to you too!
Aggie says
Oh 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
WHAT?! You need to make some girl, so easy! Thanks so much!
Lynn+Lovejoy+at+Order+in+the+Kitchen says
OMG 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
HAHA! 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
I definitely need to make my own protein bars! These sound great friend!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks girl!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
These 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
Right? Yay for healthy fall goodness! Thanks girl!
Mira says
What 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
Thank you SO much Mira! I hope you love them! Please let me know if you try them 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
15 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
Haha…no, I have a garbage full 😉
Thanks so much lady! Happy Halloween!!
Mike+@TheIronYou says
Those 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
OH GOSH. That is long! I am about to go get my lift on as well!
Thanks Mike 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
These look like the most fall-perfect breakfast bars!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Bianca!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
These sound AMAZING! Gorgeous photos, too. These bars are definitely worth 15 tries 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Genevieve!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
Wooow, 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
That 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
my protein powder just arrived in the mail, and I have my pumpkin puree, so I know what I am doing next 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
YAH YOU DO! 😉 Thanks Catalina!
Becky says
Yum! 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
My 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
These 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
I think you found your answer then 😉 Thanks Katharine!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
Those 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
RIGHT? 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
Might have to try these. Adding protein sounds good.
Taylor Kiser says
It’s a sneaky and tasty way to get some extra protein! Thanks Charlotte!
Arman+@+thebigmansworld says
Glad you kept your eye on the prize…these look amazing!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Arman!
Nutmeg+Nanny says
Well these little bars should be re-named “little pumpkin bars of happiness” because that is exactly what they are 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Haha! Thanks lady!
chanelle says
15 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
Hmm… 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
Honey, 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
Thanks Paige! I love dates!
marla says
These bars look delicious!! Pinned 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Marla!! 😀
Heather says
How do I get the pumpkin? Do I roast a full pumpkin & scrape it out or???
Taylor Kiser says
Hi! 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
Yum these bars look great! What an awesome combination of flavours 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Lilli!
Karen says
so 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
Unfortunately 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
Mmmmm…. 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
Thanks 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
I love that these have protein in them! Thanks for linking up with SNF! Pinned to our party board!
Taylor Kiser says
Yay! Thanks Jaren!
Emily says
looks 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
Thank you so much Emily, I will!
Paige says
Is there a good substitute for eggs in this recipe?? 🙁 I have an egg allergy.
Taylor Kiser says
Unfortunately 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
Sorry, 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
I 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
Can 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
NEVER MIND .. FOUND YOU HAD ANSWERED THIS AS FAR AS WHOLE EGGS.
Taylor Kiser says
Hi 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
These 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
Honestly, 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
Girl, 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
Haha, no you wouldn’t! I stay thin 😉 Thanks chica!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi 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
Hi Felicia! Thanks for asking! You totally can, just as long as the full recipe isn’t posted! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Patricia Hetherington says
what is the macro nutrient count?
Taylor Kiser says
Just added a nutritional label for you under the recipe – hope that helps! Thanks!
Patricia Hetherington says
thank you!
Taylor Kiser says
Anytime! 😀
Tia says
Would 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
Unfortunately, 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
Healthy pumpkin pie always sounds good to me! These bars look amazing!
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Stacey!
Megan says
Just 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
I 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
These look amazing! I can’t wait to try them 🙂 Thanks for testing them 15 times to get them just right!
Taylor Kiser says
Lol you are totally welcome! Hope you love!
Sharon says
Hi 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
Thank YOU for sharing your findings! SO glad you love them! <3
Ginny Smith says
These. 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
Haha! SO glad you love them!
Janet says
I’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
You 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
What 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
Hi 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
OMG 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
Thank you so much Michelle!!
Brenda says
I 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
<3 <3