These Paleo Pumpkin Protein Bars are a copycat version of the seasonal RXBar. No-bake, made with all simple, healthy ingredients, and so delicious! Whole30, gluten free, and dairy free.
These are the third RXBar copycat I've made. There's the Chocolate Sea Salt and the Sunbutter Protein Bar (PB copycat) that are both just as easy and good for their own reasons. These have the distinct pumpkin flavor from the pumpkin pie spice and have actual pumpkin in them. Yum!
They are made completely in the food processor and it only takes a few minutes. They can be eaten right away, but are best refrigerated first because they firm up more.
These are Whole30 compliant since they are just sweetened with dates. I love the original bar, but I think these are actually better. They are softer and don't stick to your teeth as much.
I don't usually post nutrition facts for my recipes because I don't count calories or fat, but here is the comparison of these to the store bought kind. This is if the bars are cut into 9 squares.
Orignal: Calories 210, Fat 8g, Carbs 23g, Fiber 3g, Sugar 15g, Protein 12g
Mine: Calories 257, Fat 13g, Carbs 20g, Fiber 4g, Sugar 14g, Protein 13g
Pretty good! Especially considering they can be made any time and you do not have to wait for them to come out in the fall! The pumpkin spice is perfect in these- definitely there, but not overpowering.
The original bar uses egg whites as the protein and I have used that as well, but I also like using collagen peptides instead. It has more health benefits and I like using it whenever I can. It's completely taste free so you can't tell the difference.
You will love this homemade version of the popular bar. They taste amazing, are soft, chewy, and make a great snack.
Here are the other 3 flavors again: Chocolate Sea Salt and Sunbutter Protein Bar (PB Copycat), and Apple Cinnamon Raisin.
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Paleo Pumpkin Protein Bars (Copycat RX Bar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 ½ cup dates
- 1 cup egg white powder or collagen peptides
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons canned pumpkin not pie mix
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square pan with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
- Combine almonds and cashews in the food processor and turn on until they are roughly chopped.
- Add in dates and process until combined. The mixture won't be smooth.
- Add in the egg white powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and pumpkin and process until mixture comes together. This may take 3-4 minutes. Stop and scrap down sides as needed.
- Press mixture into pan as evenly as possible.
- Refrigerate for a couple hours, then cut into 9 bars (3x3).
- Store covered in the fridge for best texture.
Christian Maychack says
I’m really excited to try them. My 2 1/2 year old daughter loves the the Rx bar version but it’s an expensive snack for this stay at home dad. How long will these keep in the fridge?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Christian- they last a month in the fridge. My 2 year old daughter loves the homemade versions, I think your daughter will too! 🙂
Brittany M says
HI, Thank you for the recipe. I just made this this morning and it is in the fridge. I did a taste test of the mixture and YUM! I did not have cashews so mixed in other nuts and I used collagen. I am excited for these as I am cutting out all refined sugar and so glad. Recipes like this make it so easy when I want a little go to. Thank you! - B
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Brittany! Thanks for trying my recipe. I'm so glad you like it. Yes- it's a perfect treat that is healthy as well. Especially with the collagen.
Dana says
What can i use in place of the cashews?
Thanks!!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Dana- another nut or seed will work. Sunflower seeds would be good as they're not too strong in flavor. You could also use more almonds. Hope you try them!
Carrie Powers says
I’m sensitive to cashews and almonds. Would walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts or sunflower seeds work? Would they work in your other RX bar recipes? Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Carrie- yes, you can use any nut you like. I think pecans would taste best with the pumpkin flavor, but that's just my opinion. Yes, other nuts will work with all my RX Bar recipes. Obviously peanuts will make them not paleo or Whole30 if you're okay with that.
Tanya says
Hi Jessica! These taste fantastic! For some reason ours turned out super sticky so we ended up making paleo pumpkin balls. Any possible idea what we could have done wrong ?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tanya- the mixture is a little sticky before refrigerating, but it should firm up. Maybe add less pumpkin next time. That's the only thing I can think of if you didn't change anything about the recipe. Glad you like the taste 🙂
Robin says
I have made copycat RX bars about four times and the first time I made them I used a recipe that called for the amount of dates in measurements (1.5 cups). They were super sticky. Almost impossible to work with in the food processor. Then I found a recipe that called for 15 dates. Those turned out much better. Can you tell us how many dates is 1.5 cups in your recipe? There can be a huge discrepancy if you are packing the dates into the cup or just scooping them. I cant wait to try this one!!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Robin- I don't list the amount because the type of date will make a difference. Medjool dates are large and you'd probably only need about 12, but I used these dates which are smaller and more affordable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027YZBJC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=jaysbakingm07-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0027YZBJC&linkId=d9fa34e1a93e23ed1cc1ece76cc6f66f
Using those you'd probably need around 20. I hope that helps and I hope you try the recipe.
Robin says
Thank you. I think last time I made them I counted out about 14. I will be making these as soon as I get to the store and will let you know. Thanks! Excited to try them.
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome- I hope you love them, Robin!
Molly says
Oh my gosh, you are wonderful. Thank you so much!! It is so appreciated that you respond to every comment! Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Molly! Of course- I'm here to help 🙂
Jackie Anderson says
These are in my fridge. Day 14 whole 30. So EXCITED!
First year use collagen peptides. How much, next time?
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Jackie! I hope you love them! The same amount- 1 cup.
Molly says
Hi! I am not able to blend the dates at all. I tried soaking them in water and then microwaving them. Neither one of those with success. Is there a date substitute that I could use or a date paste that may work? Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Molly- are the dates fresh? I've found if they're old and dry it's hard to blend them. You could try date paste, but that uses a food processor to blend so that's the same issue. My first recommendation would be to buy fresh, soft dates and try those. You can use raisins in place of them, but the flavor will be different. I hope you have better luck next time!
Molly says
Thanks Jessica! i used the pitted dates from Whole Foods. I'm an MSW student so my blender is not the best haha. But maybe I will try located some date paste off Amazon or something, because these sound so good!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Molly! You may want to try different dates. Are they the ones from the bulk bin? I find that those can be dry sometimes. Here are the ones I used and they are about half that price in the store. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027YZBJC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=jaysbakingm07-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0027YZBJC&linkId=d9fa34e1a93e23ed1cc1ece76cc6f66f
I usually find them in the produce section. They are super soft and may blend easier for you. I definitely understand being on a budget! You don't need a top of the line blender to make them. Here is a pretty affordable food processor that would work great. https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-70740-8-Cup-Processor/dp/B00755KNCS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1507421673&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=food+processor&psc=1
I hope that all helps!
Tricia says
Can suggest a good place to buy the egg white powder, please?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Tricia- I found mine at Fresh Thyme, which is a health food store here in Michigan. It can be found by the vitamins and supplements. I also know Trader Joes carries it by their vitamins. Of course Amazon, here is the link to the one I bought because my store had it, but there may be a better one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013OXDBU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=jaysbakingm07-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0013OXDBU&linkId=4da9e5acd224e2710d389ea5b8e91064
You can also use collagen peptides for added health benefits instead of the egg whites. Hope that helps and I hope you try them. Also- one container makes multiple batches so the cost is spread out.
Ana M Hernandez says
Can you also use gelatin or does that mess up the consistency?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ana- I feel like gelatin would make the bars a weird texture. Like gummy. I can't say for sure, but I know the collagen doesn't mess with the texture at all. I hope you try these 🙂
Katja says
These look like the perfect fall school snack. YUM!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Katja!
Lauren says
Can you use vanilla protein powder in place of the egg whites or peptides??
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Lauren- yes, that would work, but would no longer make them paleo or Whole30. So as long as you're ok with that. Hope you enjoy!