Baked Pumpkin Protein Bars

Soft, delicious and packed with wholesome ingredients, these Baked Pumpkin Protein Bars are the perfect little snack to have on hand throughout the week! Made with pumpkin, chickpea flour and Second Nature French Vanilla Protein, they're naturally dairy-free and finished with a rich, creamy dark chocolate ganache.

I love finding ways to add extra nutrients and protein into everyday snacks, and these bars are such an easy one to make. The pumpkin keeps them lovely and soft, while the cinnamon adds a little warmth and the chocolate topping makes them feel like a proper treat.

They're perfect for afternoon snacks, meal prepping or enjoying with a cup of tea. Plus, everything comes together in one bowl with minimal fuss!

Ingredients

For the pumpkin protein bars:

1 cup chickpea flour

½ cup coconut sugar

¼ cup Second Nature French Vanilla Protein Powder

½ cup plain flour

¾ cup pumpkin purée (see below)

For the pumpkin purée:

3/4 cup steamed pumpkin, mashed

¼ cup coconut cream

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the chocolate ganache:

½ cup coconut cream

80g dark chocolate

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a small baking tin with baking paper.

Prepare the pumpkin: Steam the pumpkin until soft, then mash with the coconut cream and cinnamon until smooth. Measure out ¾ cup of the prepared pumpkin purée.

Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, coconut sugar, Second Nature French Vanilla Protein Powder, plain flour and pumpkin purée. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a thick batter.

Bake: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking tin and spread evenly. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.

Make the chocolate ganache: Gently melt the dark chocolate and coconut cream together in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Add the topping: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled pumpkin bars and spread evenly.

Chill and slice: Place in the fridge until the chocolate topping has set, then slice into bars and enjoy!