Indulge in Goodness: Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars! 🎃

• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
• Line a bread tin with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the tin.
• Melt coconut oil and white chocolate chips together, then drizzle over the top of the bars.
• Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes until set.
• Slice into bars and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe for homemade pumpkin protein bars is versatile, allowing for plenty of substitutions to suit your preferences:

• Protein Powder Options: You can use vanilla protein powder or swap it with other types of plant-based protein like pea or hemp protein. If you prefer, whey protein also works well, though it will no longer be dairy-free. Experiment with your favorite protein powder for different flavors!
• Nut Butter Choices: The recipe calls for nut butter, but you can easily substitute it with almond butter, peanut butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you're avoiding nuts.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Feel free to replace the maple syrup with agave syrup, honey, or any preferred sweetener. You can also reduce or skip the added sweetener if you prefer a less sweet bar.
• Gluten-Free Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You can also substitute oats with oat flour or coconut flour to change the texture while keeping it gluten-free.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are a few simple ways to customize your homemade pumpkin protein bars:

• Boost the Protein: Want to add more grams of protein to each bar? Just add an extra scoop of your preferred protein powder. If you prefer a mix of flavors, try using both vanilla and pumpkin-flavored protein powder to give the bars that extra pumpkin pie flavor.
• Adjust the Texture: If you like your bars a little softer or closer to cookie dough, try adding a bit more pumpkin puree or almond butter to the mix. If you want them firmer, add less liquid or increase the amount of oats.
• Toppings and Mix-ins: You can get creative with toppings! Add crushed almonds, pumpkin seeds, or dark chocolate chips to the bars before chilling them. You can also add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for extra fall flavor.

Storage and Serving Tips

Here’s how to store your delicious pumpkin pie protein bars to enjoy them later:

• Storage: These bars store well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them for a few minutes before serving.
• Meal Prep: These easy-to-make bars are great for meal prep. Slice them into portions and pack them for a quick pre- or post-workout snack. With their high grams of plant-based protein, they’re perfect for fueling your day.
• Serving Ideas: Serve these bars with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or alongside a scoop of vanilla-flavored coconut yogurt. They also pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.