Description
Pumpkin Protein Cheesecake Gingerbread Bars feature a spiced gingerbread base topped with a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer, combining festive fall flavors with a protein boost for a nutritious yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour or oat flour
- 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (divided for base and cheesecake layer)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup nut butter or melted coconut oil
- 2–4 tbsp plant-based milk
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 8 oz vegan or regular cream cheese
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: extra plant-based milk to adjust texture
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond or oat flour, half the protein powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine molasses, maple syrup, nut butter or coconut oil, and plant milk. Stir into dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, blend pumpkin purée, cream cheese, remaining protein powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add a splash of plant milk if needed.
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the gingerbread base.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until set and lightly golden around edges.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- For vegan bars, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based protein powder.
- Molasses adds authentic gingerbread flavor but can be replaced with maple syrup for milder taste.
- Chilling fully ensures clean slices and the best texture.
- Top with crushed pecans, granola, or chocolate drizzle for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
