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.
Got leftover pumpkin? I know you're using them in this pumpkin pie smoothie or these paleo pumpkin bars!
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Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 12-15 bites
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
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)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
- ¼ cup almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 scoop (30g) vanilla brown rice protein powder (I like Vega Vanilla Protein + Greens)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ 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)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tbsp pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin)
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ 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.
ANna says
tried the no protein powder version and it was too wet. Added more coconut flour twice and it was still too wet. I'm putting it in the oven to try to save it a little. The flavor with out chocolate chips wasn't very tasty in my opinion. Fine, but not great. I don't think I'll be making it again. I love the idea of incorporating pumpkin into the no bake bites though.
Alexis Joseph says
Hey Anna, I'm sorry to hear these weren't for you. I've found the absorbency of coconut flour can vary greatly across brands. If it's really wet and you need to use a lot more coconut flour to get the texture right, I could see that diluting the flavor. If you try them again, you could do less applesauce and up the spices.
Rose says
Just made these and used the vegan protein version. I was pleasantly surprised at the light pumpkin flavor and airy texture of these fall festive balls. Thank you for sharing this vegan recipe.
Alexis Joseph says
Of course, so glad you enjoyed them!
emma says
Only change I made was adding just a little extra pumpkin because I absolutely LOVE a lot of pumpkin flavor in everything. This is a great recipe, I’m obsessed with them! Thank you for sharing!
Alexis Joseph says
Wahoo! An oldie but a goodie 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Alexia!
Alexia says
Just made these and they are absolutely delicious! Only change I made was adding just a little extra pumpkin because I absolutely LOVE a lot of pumpkin flavor in everything. This is a great recipe, I’m obsessed with them! Thank you for sharing!
Heather Harris says
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!!
Heather Harris says
Hi, Heather. I have had vast experience with the Paleo diet after going on it a couple years ago to experiment with resolving some minor health issues. I also successfully coached my father-in-law through the more restrictive autoimmune protocol, and we saw an amazing reduction in symptoms of his rheumatoid arthritis. He went from being bedridden 9 months ago to walking with the assistance of one cane - this is after he was told by traditional doctors to keep taking steroids and pain meds and that he would likely die early. The more I eat this way, and the more I research, the more I'm convinced that Paleo is the way to go. I certainly wouldn't discount recipes based on the fact that they are gluten-free/paleo/vegan. You can cook some INCREDIBLE food that's entirely Paleo. I prefer not to buy gluten-free foods in the grocery store - not only are they heavily processed, but you are absolutely right. They don't taste very nice and I find that cooking things myself gives me more control over flavor profiles and nutritional content. I know how scary and unnerving it is to start Paleo, but you can do it, and I am absolutely more than willing to help if you have any questions.
Zeynep says
I tried a recipe which looks like this a week ago and it was delicious! ı can't wait to try your's!
Heather says
Why does practically everything need to be gluten free vegan
Paleo and such? yuck. I am a regular person that does not like
these limitations and I do not need these. Although my doctor
Tried putting me on gluten free but I knew I did not need that. I tried and found out gluten free in the yuckiest stuff that they ever put on the grocery store shelves. So I am going to look for
A regular more tastier pumpkin pie spice energy bite recipe. This
One is not going to do anything for me .
Alexis says
There are lots of people who follow special diets that require certain ingredients. If you see the reviews on this recipe, you'll notice they're enjoyed by all. Those who follow certain diets deserve to have tasty treats, too. No need to be judgmental here, especially when you haven't tried the recipe. You can respect that this recipe serves others even if it's not for you.
Alexis says
Hey Jessica! Unfortunately since coconut flour is so unique and absorbent, I don't have a substitute for this recipe. Regular flour won't work :/
Jessica says
I'm allergic to coconut so can I use normal flour for the recipe?
Morgan Shambrock says
OMG! I made the non protein version last night (minus chocolate chips) and they are AMAZING! Planning on making a big batch to bring to work next week!
MrsChris3 says
I made them this morning, and they turned out deelish! My husband is addicted to your Pumpkin smoothie so I am sure when he gets home this will be added to his list of favs! Thank you for yet another great recipe!
Alexis says
That's so strange! I'm so sorry that happened, maybe something was up with the applesauce or pumpkin purée?
Kelly says
I have spent the past almost hour trying to make these and I am about to pull my hair out. I've added almost 3 cups of flour and they are still so sticky I have to use my steel wool brush to get it off my fingers. I am giving up.
Jess says
These look so delicious!! Love anything pumpkin for fall!
Bailey says
Since I haven't seen this question in the comments, any suggestions for what could substitute for the apple sauce? My doctor just put me on strict diet and I can't have any fructose 🙁 but I'm dying for some pumpkin goodness during this fine Fall season!
Alexis says
Hey Melissa, you can visit MyFitnessPal.com to import the recipe for nutrition stats. Thanks!
Melissa says
What are the numbets...calories, protein, carbs, ect? Is one bite a serving?
Jodie says
Hello! These look great! Wondering what i could use instead of dates? I can't have them or any type of dried fruit. thanks!!
Sherwood says
Made these yesterday as my ball of the week! It was, um, an experience... I don't really know what the problem was. Maybe my dates were too dry? They were moist enough that I could fairly easily rip them open to extract the pits with my bare fingers. But maybe that's not all that moist? I'm not TERRIBLY familiar with dates. I've only used the same ones from the bulk bins at my regular grocery store so I don't have anything to compare them to. So it was either them or the food processor. Either way, as soon as I turned the machine on with the dates and wet stuff, my kitchen took on a new, decidedly orange appearance. I unlocked and re-locked the lid a few times to make sure it was on right, but that changed nothing. There were splatters of wannabe-ball halfway across the kitchen. It was awful. After a bit of grump and consideration, I removed as much of the liquid as possible (and the few smaller chunks of date that had been chopped off), set that aside in a bowl, and pulsed the dates into near oblivion while holding folded up paper towels around the oozing fissure between lid and bowl. I then added half of the liquid back in, pulsed some more, and then scraped the rest of the liquid back in. That managed to do the trick, and I eventually ended up with some amazingly delicious balls! I did the protein version and did add some dairy-free chocolate chips. My boyfriend, who hasn't been able to have dairy for years now, was tickled by how much they tasted like cookie dough: an indulgence he craves on occasion but can't do anything about. So I'm tickled I'm able to provide for him in that way. And I just love pumpkin. Love, love, love. I'm hoping these firmed up more overnight, as they were rather soft even after a few hours of refrigeration. If not, I might try freezing them to see how that does. I'm a bit of a texture freak. 😀 Thanks so much for the recipe!
masala girl says
hmm, if i just had vega natural, any suggestions?
Alexis says
Give them a whirl! You won't be disappointed!
Liz says
I just made these this morning, and they are SO good. I just pulled one out of the freezer -- it was like a beautiful fusion of pumpkin pie and pumpkin cake. Thanks for the recipe!
Alexis says
Mmmmmm isn't pumpkin cake the BOMB?!
Alexis says
You can use any flour or flax instead if you'd like!
Lauren says
These look delicious, and I love that there are no nuts! Excited to try them out, thank you! 🙂
Alexis says
Hi Brenda, I using coconut milk instead of almond milk is totally fine. I'm honestly not sure how well agave would work, but I would just add a bit at a time for sweetness and texture until a dough forms? Hope that helps!
Brenda says
Alexis, I have a very limited diet due to health issues. I plan to make these bites using coconut milk (the drink, not the canned stuff) instead of almond milk and agave nectar instead of medjool dates. Would that work?
Madeleine says
I want to make these as-is because they sound PERFECT, and also because you've proven yourself to be the Fairy Godmother of pumpkin recipes (I've made both your smoothie and your bars this week), but I wanna take them to a party and am aware that there's a coconut allergy dilemma. Is there any way almond flour or oat flour could do the trick?
Alexis says
Hi Madeleine! You are so welcome! Unfortunately coconut flour is super unique and can't be subbed out for another flour. Sorry!!
Jillian says
Thank you THANK YOU for including a protein-powder-less version!!! I really don't think I can get anything good overseas here (in Japan) and I dunno if I like it anway?! I found coconut flour at my local Costco for the first time EVAH tonight so I think it's meant to be!! Will be making these tomrrow for sure!!! And I'm also gonna make your recent lentil veggie soup recipe. Excited!!!
Alexis says
Wahoo!! You're so welcome. I hope you love them! What a perfect dessert after the lentil soup 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Amg! I'm a texture -freak- and these look absolutely perfect. And is it weird that I never think anything but chocolate when it comes to cake? I know white cake exists, but... why?!
Marie says
I made these last night to take on a road trip this weekend... well I'm not sure they're going to make it that long because they are literally The.Best.Things.Ever! I can't get over the awesome cakey texture. Now I'm dying to make the original lemon ones as well.
Alexis says
Hahaha right?! They don't last long.... now go make the other ones!!
Marie says
I made these last night to take on a road trip this weekend... well I'm not sure they're going to make it that long because they are literally The.Best.Things.Ever! I can't get over the awesome cakey texture. Now I'm dying to make the original lemon ones as well.
Alexis says
Hi Madeleine! You are so welcome! Unfortunately coconut flour is super unique and can't be subbed out for another flour. Sorry!!
Alexis says
Me too! I always have some on hand for when the sugar beast hits...which is like every day.
Alexis says
Amennnn never enough pumpkin!!
Shannon says
That texture!!!! YES!!!!!
Alexis says
Right?! The texture is EVERYTHING.
Kayla says
These look DELICIOUS!!! Can't wait to make them soon. 🙂
R says
Could you leave out protein powder?
Alexis says
Okay, just went home and made another version without protein powder! Check out the updated recipe 🙂
Alexis says
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 🙂
Alexis says
They're my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
Alexis says
They're my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
Alexis says
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!
Alexis says
Thanks lady! I hope you love them!
Alexis says
For realz. You would adore these and I think you should turn them into pancakes because youdda pancake kaweeeeeen. BALLSBALLSBALLS.
Alexis says
For realz. You would adore these and I think you should turn them into pancakes because youdda pancake kaweeeeeen. BALLSBALLSBALLS.
Alexis says
Me tooooo! Can we crumble these on top of your pumpkin pie smoothie?! Please and thanks.