These easy, cakey Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites have the flavor of pumpkin pie, but are secretly packed with protein and fiber! Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and kid-friendly.
I have this thing for bites that taste like cake. And I don’t even love cake.
I think it’s more of a texture thing. When it comes to desert, I would take chocolate (pie, cookies, tort, brownies, whatever) over white cake any day. It just doesn’t do it for me. But that light and fluffy cakey texture…sign me up, baby!
Coconut flour is unique because not only does it lends that fabulous cakiness to sweets, but it’s also LOADED with fiber, low in fat, and naturally slightly sweet. Coconut flour is basically a gift from the baking gods. Or the no-baking gods?
Most no-bake bites are loaded with nuts, which I totally adore. But….BUT, when you’re being attacked by your sweet teeth and one bite won’t cut it, it’s nice to have a low-fat version made without nuts that allows you to eat, oh I don’t know…half the batch. Doesn’t that sound fun?
As cakey as it can be, it sure does need a lot of moisture. These pumpkin pie protein no-bake bites are adapted from my favorite lemon coconut no-bake bites, which use applesauce and almond milk for moisture as well. I got my coconut flour for super cheap at Trader Joe’s. Since they all differ, you may need to add a bit more coconut flour or almond milk to get the right texture. They shouldn’t taste dry, but they shouldn’t be too wet, either!
Wondering which protein powder to use? I used Vega Vanilla Protein + Greens as my plant-powered protein of choice in this recipe. You can also easily make this recipe without protein powder by using the alternate recipe listed below.
Today I’m teaming up with by blog babes Arman, Sarah, Kylie, Julia, and Lindsay to feature the nutrition powerhouse that is pumpkin. Carotenoids are the potent phytonutrients that make pumpkin orange, and there’s no shortage of these plant compounds (alpha and beta carotene) here! Did you know that eating pumpkin can help lower your risk of heart disease and a variety certain cancers? You’ll also get 100% of the daily value of vision-boosting Vitamin A from just a 1/2 cup serving of cooked pumpkin. Did I mention it’s super low in calories and high in filling fiber?
Got leftover pumpkin? I know you’re using them in this pumpkin pie smoothie or these paleo pumpkin bars!
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These easy, cakey Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites have the flavor of pumpkin pie, but are secretly packed with protein and fiber! Vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
For the protein powder version:
- 9 Medjool dates, pitted (place in bowl of warm water if hard and dry)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla brown rice protein powder (I like Vega Vanilla Protein + Greens)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs or chocolate chips (optional)
For the non-protein powder version:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted (place in bowl of warm water if hard and dry)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Place dates, applesauce, pumpkin, almond milk, and vanilla in a large food processor. Blend until pureed, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add coconut flour, brown rice protein (is using first recipe), pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Blend until a ball of “dough” forms. If it’s too wet, add a bit more coconut flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more almond milk.
- Stir in cacao nibs. Roll into 12-15 bites.
- Store in the refrigerator or freezer.
[Tweet “No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Protein Bites via @TheHummusapien #paleo #vegan”]
Now let’s have a look-see at what the other brought to the pumpkin party!
Julia brought Paleo Pumpkin Pie. Hayyyy, sweet toothie tooth!
Kylie made us a delish breakfast with these Single Serving Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes.
Got three minutes? Whip up these easy microwave Pumpkin English Muffins from my bud Arman!
How creamy and awesome does this Pumpkin Yogurt Dip a la Lindsay look?
In case the pancakes didn’t fill you up, Sarah made you adorable Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies.
I need more balls that taste like cake in my life, and I’m not even joking.
This coconut flour idea is genius! I’m breaking the habit of using nuts in alllll my treats, so this is the perfect recipe for all those times I’m craving more than just one ball…is this conversation starting to get awkward?
…
PUMPKIN!
For realz. You would adore these and I think you should turn them into pancakes because youdda pancake kaweeeeeen. BALLSBALLSBALLS.
Could you leave out protein powder?
The protein powder adds sweetness so if you’re going to leave it out I would add more sweetener to taste! Keep in mind if you’re adding more wet sweetener you may need to add more coconut flour, too. Hope it works!
Okay, just went home and made another version without protein powder! Check out the updated recipe 🙂
Have you tried this with any other paleo protein powder? I know some people can tolerate brown rice, but it’s still technically a grain – I’m on a stricter version of Paleo and have digestive issues with rice, whey and most vegan proteins. I’m currently trying to reintroduce Garden of Life Organic Protein Powder, but I may have to go back to my bone broth protein if I experience issues. These look delicious, though, and I would love to try them with my bone broth protein. Does the protein powder you suggested provide a different texture when compared to other powders? Thanks so much for being patient with all my questions!!
Nope, I haven’t sorry! I have no idea how it would effect the texture since I don’t use paleo protein but feel free to mess around and LMK what works 🙂
Could you leave out protein powder?
The protein powder adds sweetness so if you’re going to leave it out I would add more sweetener to taste! Keep in mind if you’re adding more wet sweetener you may need to add more coconut flour, too. Hope it works!
Okay, just went home and made another version without protein powder! Check out the updated recipe 🙂
Have you tried this with any other paleo protein powder? I know some people can tolerate brown rice, but it’s still technically a grain – I’m on a stricter version of Paleo and have digestive issues with rice, whey and most vegan proteins. I’m currently trying to reintroduce Garden of Life Organic Protein Powder, but I may have to go back to my bone broth protein if I experience issues. These look delicious, though, and I would love to try them with my bone broth protein. Does the protein powder you suggested provide a different texture when compared to other powders? Thanks so much for being patient with all my questions!!
Nope, I haven’t sorry! I have no idea how it would effect the texture since I don’t use paleo protein but feel free to mess around and LMK what works 🙂
Yessss- I made your lemon coconut bites a couple weeks ago and the coconut flour really does give it a super cakey texture and I’m usually not a big fan of cake either- definitely making these this fall!
They’re my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
Yessss- I made your lemon coconut bites a couple weeks ago and the coconut flour really does give it a super cakey texture and I’m usually not a big fan of cake either- definitely making these this fall!
They’re my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
i absolutely adore coconut flour and the texture it gives, so cakey it’s unbelievable! I’m pretty sure i would eat all of these! good thing they are healthy 🙂
i absolutely adore coconut flour and the texture it gives, so cakey it’s unbelievable! I’m pretty sure i would eat all of these! good thing they are healthy 🙂
I’m allllll over these!
I’m allllll over these!
these look lovely. i love energy bites and im bringing some to the blog today as well..
these look lovely. i love energy bites and im bringing some to the blog today as well..