Throwing pumpkin into everything this fall and that includes my classic Paleo Reese’s. While the original recipe is always a hit, these pumpkin peanut butter bars are especially delicious. They have just a slight pumpkin flavor that elevates them to the next level.

As a mom, I am all about throwing healthy ingredients into the things our kids love (eh hem, smoothies). Are you the same way? These babies are loaded with collagen, which not only gives them a protein boost, but is also great for their hair, skin, nails, bones and joints. But shhhhh I won’t tell if you won’t.

You guys know I love to talk nutrition so let’s get a quick glimpse at the importance of collagen in our diets.

Collagen 101

Collagen is the most abundant source of protein in our bodies. It makes up 70% of our skin protein and 30% of our body’s protein. It is especially important for soft tissue repair.

Here are some of the benefits to adding collagen to your diet:

Friendly to your immune system
Aides in energy production
Assists the body in detoxification
Improves digestion
Directly repairs joints, tendons, cartilage, skin, nails, hair and organs
Does not spike blood sugar like other protein sources

So why add collagen powder to your diet instead of just taking protein powder or eating meat? Well, there are a few benefits to collagen powder when it is sourced correctly (grass fed / wild caught). First, other animal and vegetable based protein powders can be inflammatory for many people (casein, egg and why are common culprits). Second, it is typically made low and slow (similar to bone broth) which gives you lots of nutrients for very few calories. It also does not spike your blood sugar or give you gastric upset which many other protein powders are known to do.

So which collagen powder to I use? I alternate between Food Babe’s Truvani Wild Caught Seafood Collagen (unflavored) and Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel (Chocolate). In this recipe I used the unflavored collagen and I have to say I feel a little bit better about giving my kids dessert at 10am. LOL. I use the chocolate collagen to make a healthy hot chocolate with a little steamed coconut milk (it’s delicious!)

pumpkin reeses — *Paleo Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars. Bite shot!*

This recipes makes an 8×8 pan full of treats. Just cut them into the size you like and store them in the fridge.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Collagen Bars

High in nutrients, low in guilt.

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Total Time 15

Course Dessert

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1-2 scoops unflavored collagen powder I used Truvani brand

Chocolate Topping

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Mix all peanut butter base ingredients. Let stand 5 minutes for coconut flour to absorb liquid. You want it to be similar to cookie dough in texture. If it's too soft or runny, add a bit more coconut flour until firm.
Line an 8×8 dish with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Press base into the pan until even.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate and peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Pour over the base. Spread with a spatula. Put in the fridge for an hour or until firm. Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator. Delish!