Pumpkin Pie Power Bars

¾ cup quick cooking or rolled oats

1 ¼ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

1 cup lightly packed all-natural, sweetened vanilla whey protein powder

½ cup dark (cooking) molasses, pure maple syrup or honey

½ cup plain non-fat greek yogurt

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp fine sea salt

Dark chocolate bar coating or greek yogurt bar coating (optional)

 

1. Line an 8inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray
2. Preheat oven to 350F
3. Process the oats in a food processor until they resemble fine powder
4. Add all of the remaining ingredients (except bar coating) and process until completely blended
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until the edges are beginning to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Spread or drizzle the mixture with the bar coating, if using; refrigerate for 30 minutes
7. Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 10 bars. Store in the fridge or freezer

Bar Keeping

Tightly wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap

Refrigerate 1 week

Freezer 3 months in airtight container; thaw 1 hour