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Protein lemon bars – high protein healthy dessert recipe

Protein Lemon Bars

These high protein lemon bars pack 12 grams of protein into every tart, tangy square while keeping carbs low and flavor high. Greek yogurt and whey protein powder give the filling a creamy, cheesecake-like texture without any heavy cream cheese. Ideal for meal prep and totally macro friendly, these bars taste like a guilty treat but actually fuel your week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup vanilla whey protein powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
Filling:
  • 1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt (room temperature)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (or 2 medium lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup calorie-free natural sweetener (monk fruit, stevia etc)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • Pinch of salt
Topping (when serving):
  • Powdered calorie-free natural sweetener

Directions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
  2. Take out an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2–3" overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  3. Take out a large bowl to prepare your crust.
  4. Add all of your dry ingredients for the crust and mix them together.
  5. Add your wet ingredients for the crust into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix everything together until it resembles wet sand.
  6. Press your mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan using a spatula or measuring cup.
  7. Bake on 325°F for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
  9. Take out another large bowl to prepare your filling.
  10. Add all of the dry ingredients for the filling and mix them together.
  11. Add your wet ingredients for the filling into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix everything together until it's completely smooth.
  12. Pour your filling over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven.
  13. Bake on 325°F for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
  14. Let them cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  15. However, it's highly recommended to refrigerate overnight.
  16. Take out your dish and use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out.
  17. Cut them into 9 even squares and serve.
  18. Dust with a little powdered sugar or powdered sweetener if desired.