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 ½ 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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Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 12-15 bites 1x
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.
[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.
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?!
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?!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
All of these look amazing 😀 I definitely need to try your protein bites and those cookies from Sarah!
Alexis says
Give them a whirl! You won't be disappointed!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says
All of these look amazing 😀 I definitely need to try your protein bites and those cookies from Sarah!
Alexis says
Give them a whirl! You won't be disappointed!
Lauren says
These look delicious, and I love that there are no nuts! Excited to try them out, thank you! 🙂
Lauren says
These look delicious, and I love that there are no nuts! Excited to try them out, thank you! 🙂
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
These look great! I always worry about experimenting with coconut flour because it can make things really dry but I'm excited to try these. I have mini chocolate chips that would be perfect too!
Alexis says
You can use any flour or flax instead if you'd like!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
These look great! I always worry about experimenting with coconut flour because it can make things really dry but I'm excited to try these. I have mini chocolate chips that would be perfect too!
Alexis says
You can use any flour or flax instead if you'd like!
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?
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?
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!
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!!
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 🙂
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?!
Alexis says
You would lurveeeee them!! Who needs cake when #theeesseeee
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?!
Alexis says
You would lurveeeee them!! Who needs cake when #theeesseeee
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
Hahaha right?! They don't last long.... now go make the other ones!!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I love little bites like this to satisfy my dessert cravings when I am trying to cut back on desserts. The struggle is real but these would make it easier 🙂
Alexis says
Me too! I always have some on hand for when the sugar beast hits...which is like every day.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I love little bites like this to satisfy my dessert cravings when I am trying to cut back on desserts. The struggle is real but these would make it easier 🙂
Alexis says
Me too! I always have some on hand for when the sugar beast hits...which is like every day.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I am totally of the opinion that there can never be enough pumpkin in my life. Let alone pumpkin balls.
Alexis says
Amennnn never enough pumpkin!!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I am totally of the opinion that there can never be enough pumpkin in my life. Let alone pumpkin balls.
Alexis says
Amennnn never enough pumpkin!!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Yum yum yum these look SO perfect. Pinning!!
Alexis says
Pin away my dear! Thanks a bunch!
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
Yum yum yum these look SO perfect. Pinning!!
Alexis says
Pin away my dear! Thanks a bunch!
Shannon says
That texture!!!! YES!!!!!
Alexis says
Right?! The texture is EVERYTHING.
Shannon says
That texture!!!! YES!!!!!
Alexis says
Right?! The texture is EVERYTHING.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Yummm these look delicious!! I love easy no-bake recipes, and this one just screams FALL!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Yummm these look delicious!! I love easy no-bake recipes, and this one just screams FALL!
Selena @ The Nutritious Kitchen says
Alexis these photos are drop dead stunning! Oh my I am so blown away and drooling at the same time! Pinning these and making for snacks next week :))
Alexis says
Awwww thanks love! Ya too shweet!
Selena @ The Nutritious Kitchen says
Alexis these photos are drop dead stunning! Oh my I am so blown away and drooling at the same time! Pinning these and making for snacks next week :))
Alexis says
Awwww thanks love! Ya too shweet!
Hayley@healthyregards says
These looks wonderful and I recently fell in love with coconut flour! And so easy! All my favorites.
Hayley@healthyregards says
These looks wonderful and I recently fell in love with coconut flour! And so easy! All my favorites.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
These are the hottest balls I've ever seen. Seriously making then happen in my mouth soon.
Alexis says
Balls don't get any hotter than disssss!!!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
These are the hottest balls I've ever seen. Seriously making then happen in my mouth soon.
Alexis says
Balls don't get any hotter than disssss!!!
Kayla says
These look DELICIOUS!!! Can't wait to make them soon. 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks lady! I hope you love them!
Kayla says
These look DELICIOUS!!! Can't wait to make them soon. 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks lady! I hope you love them!
Brittany says
I know we talked about this but I'm the same way with not loving cake. That said, I bet these cake-like balls are fab -- especially if you eat half the batch. 😉
Also, I want pumpkin everything right now.
Alexis says
Me tooooo! Can we crumble these on top of your pumpkin pie smoothie?! Please and thanks.
Brittany says
I know we talked about this but I'm the same way with not loving cake. That said, I bet these cake-like balls are fab -- especially if you eat half the batch. 😉
Also, I want pumpkin everything right now.
Alexis says
Me tooooo! Can we crumble these on top of your pumpkin pie smoothie?! Please and thanks.
Julia says
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!
Alexis says
For realz. You would adore these and I think you should turn them into pancakes because youdda pancake kaweeeeeen. BALLSBALLSBALLS.
Julia says
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!
Alexis says
For realz. You would adore these and I think you should turn them into pancakes because youdda pancake kaweeeeeen. BALLSBALLSBALLS.
R says
Could you leave out protein powder?
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
Okay, just went home and made another version without protein powder! Check out the updated recipe 🙂
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!!
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 🙂
R says
Could you leave out protein powder?
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
Okay, just went home and made another version without protein powder! Check out the updated recipe 🙂
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!!
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 🙂
Dietitian Jess says
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!
Alexis says
They're my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
Dietitian Jess says
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!
Alexis says
They're my faaaaaave! Seriously, I think the original will always have my heart.
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
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 🙂
Rachel @ athletic avocado says
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 🙂
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
I'm allllll over these!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
I'm allllll over these!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
these look lovely. i love energy bites and im bringing some to the blog today as well..
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
these look lovely. i love energy bites and im bringing some to the blog today as well..