Iced Pumpkin-Pecan Protein Bars
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
A high-protein snack, these iced pumpkin-pecan protein bars are packed with muscle-building ingredients and perfect for a healthy treat.
🎃 Iced Pumpkin-Pecan Protein Bars
Looking for a healthy, high-protein snack that feels like dessert but fuels your body like a workout meal? These Iced Pumpkin-Pecan Protein Bars are exactly that — soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. 💪✨
The combination of pumpkin purée and vanilla protein powder gives these bars a moist texture and a naturally sweet flavor, while the crunchy pecan topping adds a delicious contrast. Plus, they’re gluten-free, low-fat, and made without refined sugar — ideal for your post-gym snack or mid-afternoon energy boost.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌾 Gluten-Free & High Protein – Great for fitness goals or healthy snacking.
- 🍁 Pumpkin-Spiced Goodness – Perfect balance of autumn spices and natural sweetness.
- 🥜 Crunchy Meets Creamy – Smooth protein icing with nutty pecans on top.
- 🧁 Meal Prep Friendly – Store easily for a week of quick, nourishing snacks.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide
🥣 Make the Bars
Start by whisking together the pumpkin purée, eggs, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients — coconut flour, protein powder, flaxseed, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures until a thick batter forms. Let it rest briefly to allow the coconut flour to absorb moisture. Then, shape the mixture into bars (about 8 to 9 pieces) and bake them until golden and slightly cracked on top.
Your kitchen will smell amazing — like pumpkin pie meets protein bake heaven! 🎃🍂
🍶 Add the Icing
Once cooled, make a quick icing by stirring vanilla protein powder with a little water until smooth. Pour it into a small bag, snip off the corner, and drizzle artistically over the bars.
Sprinkle chopped pecans while the icing is still soft — they’ll stick beautifully and add that perfect crunch. Allow the icing to set for about an hour for best texture.
💡 Tips for Perfect Bars
✨ Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
✨ If the mixture feels too thick, add an extra splash of almond milk.
✨ For extra decadence, mix a pinch of pumpkin pie spice into the icing.
✨ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
🥕 Nutritional Boost
Each bar packs about 143 calories with 12g protein, 12g carbs, and 6g fat — a balanced treat that keeps you satisfied and energized! 💥
These Iced Pumpkin-Pecan Protein Bars are proof that healthy snacks can taste indulgent. Perfect for meal prep, post-workout recovery, or just enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee. ☕🍁
Ready to make your new favorite fall-inspired protein treat? Let’s bake some bars! 🔥
Iced Pumpkin-Pecan Protein Bars
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoMA high-protein snack, these iced pumpkin-pecan protein bars are packed with muscle-building ingredients and perfect for a healthy treat.
Tools Used
Oven
Ziploc Bag
Scissors
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Ingredients
BARS
TOPPING
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- 2
In a large bowl, add eggs, pumpkin, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla. Use a fork to whisk together until combined.
- 3
In a medium bowl, add coconut flour, protein powder, flaxseed, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and cloves, stirring together to combine.
- 4
Slowly stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until well combined; let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 5
Separate batter into 8 parts, about 1/3 cup each. Form batter into rectangular bars by hand (like Clif bars) and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- 6
Bake bars until golden brown on the bottom with a top just beginning to crack, about 22 to 25 minutes. Let bars cool for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Icing
- 1
Once bars have fully cooled, prepare the icing. Add protein powder to a small bowl, slowly stirring in water until mixture is thick and smooth.
- 2
Transfer icing into a small Ziploc bag and use scissors to cut off a small piece of the corner.
- 3
Squeeze icing out of the cut corner, drizzling evenly over the top of the bars. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the bars.
- 4
For best results, let icing set for 1 hour or more. Store bars in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 bar
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
