Pumpkin Protein Chocolate Chips Bars (blender recipe)

Pumpkin Protein Chocolate Chip Bars—high protein, no added sugar, blender-made healthy dessert with cozy fall flavors.

When fall rolls around, nothing feels quite as cozy as the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin purée, and chocolate baked into a soft, satisfying bar. These Pumpkin Protein Chocolate Chip Bars check all the boxes for a delicious treat that’s also nutritious. They’re high in protein, naturally sweetened with applesauce and pumpkin, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is. With the help of a blender or food processor, the wet ingredients come together in seconds, creating a smooth and creamy base that’s then mixed with the dry ingredients. The result is a batch of soft, moist bars studded with melty chocolate chips—a healthy dessert that feels indulgent but fuels your body. Whether you’re looking for a perfect snack to take on the go or a post-workout bite, these pumpkin spice protein bars are a wonderful choice, especially during this cozy time of year.

More Healthy Desserts

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons these pumpkin chocolate chip protein bars are going to become your new favorite:

• High protein content: Thanks to cottage cheese, egg whites, and whole eggs, these bars pack a protein punch that helps keep you full and energized. They’re an excellent option if you’re searching for homemade protein bar recipes.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy. The combination of pumpkin puree, applesauce, and a few pantry staples makes it budget-friendly and easy to whip up anytime.
• Perfect balance of flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and ginger bring warm, cozy notes, while the chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap in dairy-free chocolate chips or even try white chocolate chips for a fun variation.
• Blender-friendly: Forget about dirtying multiple bowls. All you need is a blender or food processor to combine the wet ingredients, then stir in the rest of the ingredients for a hassle-free baking experience.
• Better-for-you treat: These bars keep the sugar content lower by using applesauce instead of loads of added sugar. Yet they still taste like a delicious treat you’d expect from a bakery.

Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-workout refuel, or even as part of your breakfast, these bars are a great way to enjoy pumpkin spice flavors with a healthy twist.

---

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these bars so good:

• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show. Pumpkin not only provides seasonal flavor but also moisture, fiber, and nutrients like vitamin A.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps keep the bars soft without needing too much added sugar.
• Low-fat cottage cheese: Adds protein and creaminess without overwhelming the flavor. If you’d like to experiment, Greek yogurt could be substituted.
• Egg whites and whole eggs: These give the bars structure and boost the protein content.
• Pumpkin pie spice & ground ginger: The perfect spice combo for that cozy fall flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise slightly and stay fluffy.
• All-purpose flour (or oat flour alternative): Provides structure. If you’d like to add more fiber, swap in oat flour for a heartier version.
• Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet, dark, or dairy-free chocolate chips all work. You can even play with white chocolate chips for a fun seasonal twist.

Together, these simple ingredients create a balance of texture and flavor, making the bars taste indulgent while still being nourishing.

---

How to Make the Recipe

Making these pumpkin spice protein bars couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Blend the wet ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, cottage cheese, egg whites, and whole eggs to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, baking powder, flour, and salt. Pulse gently or stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-blend.

• Add chocolate chips: Remove the blender jar from the base and stir in the chocolate chips by hand. For an extra-pretty finish, sprinkle a few on top of the batter.
• Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This step is important to ensure they hold their shape.

In less than an hour, you’ll have a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip protein bars ready to enjoy!

---

How to Store the Recipe

To keep your bars fresh and moist:

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5–6 days.
• You can also freeze them! Wrap individual bars in parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2–3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before enjoying.

This makes them perfect for meal prep if you like having your own homemade protein bars on hand.

---

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t over-blend: Once you add the flour and other dry ingredients, blend only until combined to avoid tough bars.
• Customize your mix-ins: Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or swapping the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a seasonal variation.
• Boost the flavor: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the warm spice flavors beautifully.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and dairy-free chocolate chips to create a version that fits your dietary needs.
• Texture check: Bake until the center is just set. The bars should be soft and moist, not dry.

These Pumpkin Protein Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect snack for any time of year, but they feel especially right during fall. They bring together the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the satisfaction of a high-protein snack. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, they check all the boxes for a delicious treat that also supports your nutrition goals.

Next time you’re craving something sweet but still want to stay on track, skip the store-bought options and bake a batch of these. With the combination of simple ingredients, wholesome flavor, and a quick blender method, you’ll love having your own homemade protein bars ready whenever you need them.

---

More Fall Flavors

FAQs

1. Can I use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Using oat flour will give the bars a heartier, slightly nutty texture and add more fiber. It’s a great option if you’re looking to make the recipe more wholesome.

2. Do I need a blender, or can I just mix everything by hand?
A blender or food processor works best to get the wet ingredients completely smooth, especially the cottage cheese. If you don’t have one, use an immersion blender or whisk vigorously.

3. Are these pumpkin spice protein bars gluten-free?
Not as written, since the recipe calls for all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. Can I make them sweeter?
Absolutely. If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add a few tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sweetener to the wet ingredients before blending.

5. Are these bars kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the delicious flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, and parents love the lower sugar content compared to most store-bought snacks.

6. How much protein do these bars have?
The exact protein will vary depending on your ingredients, but thanks to the eggs, egg whites, and cottage cheese, each bar provides a solid protein boost—much higher than your average dessert bar.

---