🍋 High-Protein Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, tangy, and refreshing lemon cheesecake bars with a soft almond-flour crust and a protein-rich cheesecake filling. This version is low-carb, sugar-free, and keto-friendly, depending on the ingredients you choose.
Prep time
15 min
Bake time
30–40 min
Chill time
3 hours
Yield: 9 bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the cheesecake filling
- 8 oz (225 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (225 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (25–30 g) unflavored or vanilla whey protein powder
- ⅓ cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, optional, for a firmer texture
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust. Mix the almond flour, melted butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt until the mixture resembles damp crumbs.
3. Press and bake. Firmly press the crust into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
4. Mix the filling. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt and sweetener, mixing until creamy.
5. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix in the eggs one at a time on low speed. Add the protein powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and optional cornstarch. Mix just until combined; avoid whipping too much air into the batter.
6. Fill the pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble. Avoid overbaking, as protein powder can make cheesecake dry.
8. Cool slowly. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and leave the cheesecake inside for about 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely.
9. Chill. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing into 9 bars.
10. Serve. Garnish with a little extra lemon zest or a thin lemon slice if desired.
Estimated nutrition per bar
Based on 9 bars; actual values vary by brands and optional ingredients.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160–200 |
| Protein | 10–14 g |
| Total carbs | 6–9 g |
| Fat | 10–14 g |
Tip: For extra protein, use a little more Greek yogurt and protein powder, but keep the batter balanced so the bars remain creamy rather than rubbery.
