Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Lemon Protein Filling
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop (about 30g) vanilla protein powder
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking pan or dish with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides. This makes removing the bars much easier once chilled.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, rolled oats, protein powder, and sea salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add the melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients resemble moist crumbs and easily hold together when pressed.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Firmly press it into an even layer using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup.
Place the crust into the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, honey, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Whisk or beat until completely smooth without any lumps. The filling should be thick, creamy, and spreadable.
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a little extra honey or maple syrup.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator.
Spread the lemon protein filling evenly over the crust using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Smooth the top into an even layer.
Step 5: Add the Blueberries
Scatter the fresh blueberries evenly across the filling.
Gently press them slightly into the surface.
Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and chia seeds if using.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
The bars should become firm enough to slice cleanly.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 even squares using a sharp knife.
For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Serve chilled and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Full-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt both work well.
- If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding.
- Chill overnight if making ahead for parties.
- Store the bars in a single layer to keep the topping intact.
- Add extra lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
- Vanilla protein powder creates the smoothest flavor, but unflavored protein powder also works.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These bars pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh berries
- Hot tea
- Iced coffee
- Smoothies
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit salad
They’re also excellent as a healthy breakfast treat or post-workout snack.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1 Bar)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Calcium: 90mg
- Potassium: 150mg