How to Make Protein Bars with Protein Powder and Pumpkin Spice!

"I find that protein wakes up my brain and gets me ready for the rest of my day."

-- Marisa Tomei

These simple little protein bars are the perfect on-the-go snack, or when you just need a bit of a midday pick-me-up. Feel free to play around with the amount of maple syrup you use; the taste depends entirely on your preferences. You could even try honey for a lighter taste, or brown sugar and cane sugar. There are a bunch of options! Instead of dried blueberries, you could add raisins or cranberries. The possibilities are endless! But enough talking for now, let's get baking! Happy eating!

Ingredients:

1 Cup - Oat flour

1 Cup - Shredded coconut

2 scoops - Vanilla protein powder

1/2 tsp - Ground ginger

1/2 tsp - Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp - Ground Cloves

1/2 tsp - Nutmeg

1 tsp - Baking powder

1/4 tsp - Salt

1 Cup - Pumpkin puree

1 Cup - Almond butter

1 tsp - Vanilla extract

1/2 cup - Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup - Almond milk

1 Cup - Dried blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Lightly grease and line a baking pan (approx. 8x8) with parchment paper.

3. In a bowl, combine the flour, coconut, protein powder, the spices, salt and baking powder. Whish together until combined. Set aside.

4. In another bowl, place the pumpkin puree, almond butter, vanilla extract and maple syrup. Mix until combined. Gradually add the almond milk. You should end up with a smooth bright orange mixture.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mix, and stir until fully incorporated.

6. Add the dry blueberries and continue mixing.

7. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined baking pan. Smooth the batter until flat.

8. Place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

9. After cooled, cut into 12 equals bars, or more if desired.