Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars
Servings: 9
Per Serving:
Calories: 133
Protein: 7g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g - Sugar: 9g - Sodium: 78mg
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cups Quick Oats
2/3 Cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese
1 Cup Canned Pumpkin Puree
1/3 Cup Maple Syrup
2 Large Eggs
1/2 Cup Liquid Egg Whites or 3 Large Egg Whites
2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine oats, cottage cheese, pumpkin, maple syrup, eggs, egg whites, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla in a food processor. Pulse the mixture for about 1 minute, ensuring the batter retains a slightly chunky texture.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 32-34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the dish is fully cooked.
Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
After the brief cooling period, slice the dish into desired portions and serve.
Coach’s Notes:
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your baked goods less sweet, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup in the recipe. Try using 1/4 cup of maple syrup instead of the original 1/3 cup. This modification will result in a slightly lower sugar content per serving.
Add a Touch of Spice: To enhance the flavor profile, add a nutmeg or ginger pinch to the pumpkin pie spice blend. These spices can add depth and warmth to the dish.
Experiment with Toppings: While walnuts provide a nice crunch, explore other toppings for variety. Chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can be delightful alternatives.
Recipe Credit: The Everything Macro Diet Cookbook by Tina Haupert
