Fall is right around the corner, which means the return of football season, the end of daylight saving time and Halloween. For those of you who still want to partake in the festivities, but would rather avoid the candy and sweets, we have you covered with a trio of Halloween-themed protein recipes that we promise are no tricks and all treat.
Halloween Protein Pudding Dirt Cups
The Treat
These protein pudding cups take 30 minutes to make and have 22g of protein. For the pudding, you’ll need 32 oz. of vanilla Greek yogurt, 2 scoops of Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold, 1/3 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and 3 tbsp. of Dutch process cocoa powder.
For the topping, you’ll need 12 sandwich cookies – crushed up, with the icing removed – and 12 small gummy worms.
Combine all of the pudding ingredients in a large bowl with a hand mixer until it’s smooth. Then, layer half of the pudding in the bottom of the serving cups. After that, top the pudding with about 3/4 of the crushed sandwich cookies, add the remaining pudding on top of the cookie layer, then top with the rest of the cookies and any other toppings that you’d like to add.
The Trick
If you want to make gravestones that you can add to the top of your cups, we suggest using sandwich cookies that are easy to crumble and break apart into smaller pieces.
Collagen Pumpkin Protein Balls
The Treat
These collagen pumpkin protein balls are super soft and tender, yet hold their shape well. The key ingredients – which make them healthy – are pure pumpkin puree (providing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber); coconut flour (a higher fiber, naturally gluten-free flour that helps keep the protein balls soft and tender); unflavored collagen peptides (they don’t change anything about the flavor or texture, but add grams of protein to each ball); and Medjool dates (helping the texture and consistency, while also providing natural sweetness).
These collagen pumpkin protein balls are simple to throw together. All you need to do is combine the ingredients in a food processor, let the dough chill for a little while, then roll it into balls.
The Trick
You can eat these plain, but that’s no fun for Halloween, right? So, what about rolling them in shredded coconut or getting really festive with a white chocolate dip to make them mummy treats?
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
The Treat
Pumpkin chocolate chip protein muffins are high protein and low carb, gluten free, and fairly low in calories. They’re also easy to make, since all you have to do is throw everything into a blender or food processor (minus the chocolate chips), process, fold in the chips, then you’re all set.
You’ll need 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of pumpkin puree (244g), 1 cup of Greek yogurt (227g), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of Grass-Fed 100% Whey Protein, 1 1/2 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice, 1 tsp. of cinnamon, 1 tsp. of baking powder, 1/2 tsp. of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Add the oats to your blender or food processor and process until a flour forms (about 20 seconds). Then, add the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs, protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda. Blend again until well combined, then stir in the chocolate chips. Distribute it into 12 regular greased muffin liners and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
The Trick
Both whey and plant-based protein powders will work for this recipe. Also, keep in mind that 25 minutes of baking time will make the muffins a little more moist, while 30 minutes will make them less moist.
Now, all you need to do is come up with the perfect Halloween costume and you’re good to go!
