Say hello to my Pumpkin Walnut Protein Bars.
Snap, are these good.
I created this beautiful recipe because first, I was needing a mid-afternoon snack that I could look forward to and enjoy along with a nice cup of coffee, and second, I was needing a tasty snack that was healthy and was a good source of protein.
So, it seemed obvious to me that I needed to bake homemade protein bars. Ones that were paleo, guilt free and that would give me great energy.
If you’ve been reading my recent blog posts, you’d know that I’m currently following a muscle building training program. This program requires that I eat about six to seven meals a day, and that each meal contains protein. So eating about three of these homemade paleo protein bars would count as a meal (they would be my “fun meal”, since they would be sweet and delicious)…which would be really nice, because eating only grilled proteins and vegetables was getting kind of dull.
I had some pumpkin puree and cashew meal available at home, so I figured I would use those two, along with a few other ingredients, to create my bars. One of the most exciting parts about creating these bars, however, was that I would be using the creamiest and cleanest protein powder I have ever tried. I had some left in my pantry and it was definitely calling my name.
This protein powder is called Alter Whey Protein Isolate, made by Alter Rations. I have been using it for a little over a month now (used it to make my Fluffy Protein Powder Waffles too), and am seriously in love with it. Since I started using it, not once have I felt bloated or uncomfortable; it tastes great, it’s creamy, it doesn’t clump up in my shaker bottle and it has 28 grams of protein per serving. That is more protein per serving than any of the other protein powder brands I have ever owned. I’m telling you, this stuff is legit; it’s grass fed, raw, vegetarian, made without chemicals, non-GMO, and free of antibiotics and hormones.
My Pumpkin Walnut Protein Bars turn out perfect. I am eating one as we speak, enjoying it along a nice shot of espresso. If you’re like me, and need a healthy afternoon snack to keep you going, then you should definitely give these little bars a go.
Pumpkin Walnut Protein Bars
- Total Time: 48 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Walnut Protein Bars are delicious and packed with protein. A wonderful post-workout snack, that is paleo, gluten free and dairy free.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Alter Whey Protein Isolate (this protein powder is unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup cashew meal
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 –1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Coconut oil spray, to spray baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a baking dish with coconut oil spray and set aside.
- Mix all dry ingredients, except chopped walnuts, in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add all wet ingredient to a food processor and process until smooth. Pour into dry ingredient mixture and combine. Fold in chopped walnuts, pour batter into baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into 16 protein squares.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 38 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American