Fall is in the air, and that can only mean one thing: it’s pumpkin season.
I’ll be the first to admit that I think pumpkin spice is an overrated flavor, but I absolutely love pumpkin pie.
In case you are unaware, pumpkin pie spice contains no pumpkin at all. Pumpkin spice is simply a blend of the spices that typically go on into a pumpkin pie: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
On its own, that’s a very uninspiring mixture. But when combined with the flavor of actual pumpkin, it truly defines Fall.
Over the years I have developed a lot of pumpkin-inspired protein recipes, so I wanted to compile them all in one place for you here.
These recipes utilize PEScience’s limited-time pumpkin pie products. The reason I love these products is that they taste like actual pumpkin pie, not just pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Pie Select Protein Powder: This is one of my favorite flavors that PEScience has ever created. It’s a whey/casein blend, which I find superior for baking, and the flavor is spot-on.
Pumpkin Pie Vegan Select Protein Powder: If you need a dairy-free option, PEScience’s vegan series is very impressive. I don’t use vegan protein powder much because I am not vegan myself, but I used this specific product in the protein donut holes that you will find below.
Pumpkin Pie Protein Pancake Mix: This is actually my protein, so of course I recommend it! I developed the buttermilk protein pancake & waffle mix and partnered with PEScience to bring it to life, and this seasonal variety does not disappoint. Use it for pancakes, waffles, or even muffins.
The Best High-Protein Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin is the best part of Fall, and while pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice lattes are incredible, they will not necessarily help your fitness goals. If you want to enjoy all the incredible flavors of Fall while staying on track with your fitness or weight loss goals, I’ve got some incredible protein-focused pumpkin treats for you to enjoy.
These pumpkin protein cookies are one of my favorite recipes to make every Fall. Each cookie has only 60 calories with 4g of protein, and they are incredibly soft and chewy (the way all good cookies should be)
These pumpkin pie donut holes contain only 35 calories each, and they come together in no time thanks to the air fryer. This recipe contains two options: dairy and vegan.
I cannot recommend this protein pancake mix enough (and not just because I developed it myself). All you have to do is add water and you will have the best protein pancakes of your life! To enjoy pumpkin pie pancakes, I like to replace some of the water with canned pumpkin and then add some pumpkin spice to the batter. Give it a shot: you will not be disappointed.
A high-protein pumpkin cookie stuffed with a delicious cheesecake filling. Low carb, gluten-free, and 12g protein per cookie. I took my original pumpkin protein cookies and added this delicious cheesecake filling for the ultimate stuffed protein cookie experience.
A recipe you can whip up in minutes to enjoy this Fall, or any time you find yourself craving pumpkin. These truffles are packed with actual pumpkin and espresso powder, leaving you with a true pumpkin spice latte experience for only 55 calories.
If you’ve never tried chocolate and pumpkin together, this is the perfect time to give it a try. I had no idea what to expect from this combination, but I am shocked at how well it works together. These donuts are packed with chocolate flavor, and the pumpkin spice adds an extra layer of deliciousness. I won’t complain about 12 grams of protein, either.
All the flavor of pumpkin pie rolled up into delicious no-bake protein truffles. Pumpkin interior, graham cracker exterior, and only 35 calories each. One truffle also contains 3.5 grams of protein, meaning you can enjoy 6 protein truffles for 210 calories and 21g of protein (as good as any protein bar).
These protein pumpkin muffins are the perfect way to celebrate the return of pumpkin season every Fall! With just 4 ingredients, these could not be easier (and they are even toddler-approved).
All you need is a blender to whip up a batch of soft, decadent pumpkin pie ice cream! Mix yourself up a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard with under 300 calories and 19g of protein. Do I need to say any more?
OK, these aren’t technically a pumpkin recipe, but it’s my go-to recipe to use up any extra canned pumpkin I have. Far too often I use canned pumpkin for a recipe only to watch it go bad in my fridge, so I developed this recipe to use it up. Since pumpkin is a low-calorie ingredient, these cookies contain only 22 calories each!
About Matt Rosenman
With over 15 years of experience in health and fitness, Matt Rosenman is the expert voice behind Cheatdaydesign.com. Matt’s philosophy is simple: no foods are off-limits, and a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t be complicated or restrictive. As a former certified personal trainer with a bachelor’s degree in Health Behavioral Sciences, Matt brings well-rounded expertise to his blog. From revamping classic recipes with a nutritious twist to breaking down fast food menus, his goal is make healthy living less confusing for everyone. Featured in major publications and with a strong following on social media, Matt is committed to making “healthy” uncomplicated—no matter where you are in your health journey. Join Matt on his mission to simplify health without sacrificing flavor. Learn More
