Description
Protein Lemon Bars offer a zesty lemon flavor with a protein-packed twist, making them a perfect snack or post-workout treat. They feature a crisp, buttery crust and a creamy lemon filling, balanced between tart and sweet.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the filling:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (or lemon-flavored protein powder)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and a dough forms. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and firm. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey (or maple syrup), protein powder, coconut flour, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden around the edges. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—if the center is firm, it’s ready.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
- Cut and serve: Once the bars have chilled and are set, cut them into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Store the Protein Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They are best enjoyed cold.
- If you prefer, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
- For an added flavor boost, you can add a few drops of lemon extract or orange zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg