It has arrived. Pumpkin spice in all its glory. I know everyone tends to go a bit bonkers for their pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cake, the list is endless, and for good reason. These flourless protein pumpkin spice bars are heaven in your mouth, and these fall flavors are the first indication that the holidays are approaching. Even if you are still waking up to Indian summer mornings, fall is the underlying essence.
In school, this was the beginning of Michaelmas, the celebration of St. Michael and the dragon, a story of courage and selflessness. Orange, golden yellow, and fiery red lit up our classrooms in an imitation of the trees outside our windows. And at home, mom would make pumpkin bread, one of my very most favorite treats as an after school snack. The spiciness of the cinnamon and ginger paired with the smooth texture was irresistible. I once ate over half the 9×13 tray, and had a few well-chosen words aimed my way as it was supposed to last the week, but I couldn’t stop and didn’t feel an ounce of remorse at my gluttony.
As an adult, I strive to eat foods low in sugar, so I experimented with this version of flourless protein pumpkin spice bars, mimicking my childhood favorite. The addition of unflavored protein powder makes it an even better snack, and the crunch of chia seeds gives it a nice bite. The consistency is similar to pumpkin pie; it is very soft and almost gooey. You can eat it with your hands, but I would suggest a fork. One of the keys to making this recipe, is allowing the bars to cool completely, and covering and placing in the fridge for at least three hours before attempting to cut into squares. I made two different kinds, one pumpkin spice, the other chocolate pumpkin. If you decide to make all one flavor, double the recipe and bake in a 9×9 baking dish.
Flourless Protein Pumpkin Spice Bars
1 c. Pumpkin puree
¼ c. Coconut oil-softened
1 Egg
1 scoop Unflavored Protein Powder- I use whey protein isolate from www.truenutrition.com
2 T. Honey
1 t. Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ t. Salt
1 T. Chia Seeds
1 T. Flax Meal
½ t. Baking Powder
Flourless Chocolate Pumpkin Bars
1 c. Pumpkin puree
¼ c. Coconut oil- softened
1 Egg
2 T. Cocoa powder
1 scoop Unflavored Protein Powder
2 T. Honey
1 t. Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ t. Salt
1 T. Chia Seeds
1 T. Flax Meal
½ t. Baking Powder
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. If making a single batch, grease a loaf pan with coconut oil or cooking spray. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and pour into the pan. Batter will be very thick. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. For best results, chill in the fridge for at least three hours before cutting into squares. I dusted mine with some powdered sugar for extra sweetness, and because it looked pretty. The bars will be fudgy, smooth, and hard to put down once you start snacking!
