As someone who is celiac, lactose intolerant and allergic to almonds, it is so important that all my recipes cater to people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or food allergies! I was diagnosed with celiac disease (the celiac gene) and a lactose intolerance in my early 20s and have been on a mission since to create easy, delicious recipes for others with food allergies!
These 4-ingredient peanut butter pumpkin bars are gluten free, dairy free and can be made nut free by using a nut butter replacement.
Whether you’re a baking pro or a novice in the kitchen, these peanut butter pumpkin bars offer a fuss-free way to enjoy a satisfying and delicious treat, just like my easy gluten free oatmeal bars. They take 5 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple and Quick: This Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars recipe only requires 3 main ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute treats.
- Packed with protein and pumpkin, these bars offer a satisfying and nutritious alternative to traditional desserts. You can even tweak it further by using sugar-free chocolate chips or nut butter.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different protein powders, nut butters, or even add a sprinkle of your favorite spices to personalize the flavor profile.
- Budget-Friendly: With readily available ingredients, this Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars recipe is kind to your wallet and perfect for whipping up a batch to share with friends and family.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Simply mix all the ingredients in one bowl, eliminating the need for multiple mixing bowls and cleanup.
- No Fancy Equipment: A baking sheet and an oven are all you need to bring these bars to life, making them ideal for kitchens with limited equipment.
- Minimal Baking Time: In less than an hour, you’ll have warm, delicious bars ready to enjoy.
- Flexible Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for convenient snacking throughout the week.
ingredients & substitutions
Protein powder: This adds protein and some structure. Use any type you like, whey, casein, plant-based, etc. You can even skip it and add more nut butter or rolled oats for denser Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars.
Pumpkin puree: This adds moisture, sweetness, and pumpkin flavor. Substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree if needed.
Nut butter: This adds flavor and fat. Use any nut butter you like, peanut, almond, cashew, etc. Sunflower seed butter or tahini work too, but the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars flavor will be different.
Dairy Free Chocolate chips (optional): These add sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Use any type you like, dark, milk, semi-sweet, or even chopped nuts. You can skip them if you prefer. If you are not dairy free you can use any chocolate chips.
taste & texture
These Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars offer a satisfying mix of sweet and nutty. They’re moist and dense, like a fudgier brownie or cake. The pumpkin adds a subtle fall flavor, while the nut butter shines through. You can expect a chewy bite with a slight crumble, depending on the protein powder used.
directions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the protein powder, pumpkin puree, and nut butter. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
Step 2
Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3
Bake the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Top with chocolate chips, if desired.
expert tips & tricks
- For a richer Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- You can also add a pinch of salt to the batter for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have protein powder, you can substitute it with an equal amount of rolled oats or almond flour.
- If you find the bars are too dry, you can try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
how to make this lower carb
For low-carb Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars, swap the protein powder with an equal amount of almond flour or coconut flour and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Top with chopped nuts instead of chocolate chips.
how to make this vegan
Make the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars vegan by using a plant-based protein powder and a dairy-free chocolat chips.
how to serve, store and meal prep
Slice yourPeanut Butter Pumpkin Bars into squares when cool. Enjoy them warm for a gooey treat, or let them cool completely for a denser texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer – individually wrap the bars and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or defrost in the microwave for a quick snack anytime.
you may also like
If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along!
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars (gluten free, high protein)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup protein powder
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or nut butter
- Dairy Free Chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the protein powder, pumpkin puree, and nut butter. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
- Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
- Top with chocolate chips, if desired.
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