Hey there, lemon lovers! Have you ever craved the tangy sweetness of lemon bars but hesitated because of the sugar overload? Well, I’ve got fantastic news for you! Get ready for a guilt-free treat that will rock your world: Protein Lemon Bars!
These delightful bars are bursting with the classic lemon flavor you adore but with a healthy twist. Imagine this: a creamy, custard-like filling nestled on a crumbly, buttery crust, all while packing a whopping 15 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Yes, you read that right!
Baking with Almond Flour: Busting Myths
Before we dive into this amazing recipe, let’s address the elephant in the room – the rumors about almond flour. You might have heard whispers about its inflammatory properties and heat instability. But fear not, my friend, because scientific evidence doesn’t fully support these claims.
Almonds are abundant in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat known for its high-heat stability. While it’s true that almonds contain linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid often linked to inflammation), a balanced diet allows our bodies to convert it into GLA, a potential inflammation fighter.
Remember, it’s all about balance! Instead of eliminating omega-6s entirely, focus on incorporating a healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats in your diet. And when it comes to high-heat cooking like frying, consider using heat-stable options like avocado or coconut oil.
Crafting the Perfect Protein Lemon Bars
Now, let’s get back to the star of the show – our protein-packed lemon bars! Here’s a breakdown of how to create this healthy and equally delicious twist on a classic recipe.
Building a Protein-Rich Base
The key to these incredible bars lies in the addition of protein. For this recipe, I opted for a vanilla whey blend, but feel free to experiment with whey concentrate or even unflavored protein for a purer lemon taste.
Want a whey-free alternative? Soy isolate acts similarly to whey, while vegan protein blends offer another excellent option. Collagen, though a fantastic protein source, might significantly alter the texture, so proceed with caution if you choose this route.
Sweetening Without the Sugar Rush
To transform this classic treat into a low-sugar delight, I replaced regular sugar with a calorie-free sweetener from Stevita Naturals – an organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade option that’s four times sweeter than sugar.
If Stevita Naturals isn’t readily available, don’t fret! Powdered sugar, erythritol, or monk fruit can easily step in. Just remember to adjust the quantity, using about 3/4 to 1 cup for the perfect sweetness.
Creating a Crumbly Crust
The crust is the foundation of our lemon bars, and achieving that perfect crumbly texture is easier than you might think. A simple blend of vanilla protein powder, almond flour, baking soda, salt, buttery spread, and water does the trick!
Feel free to swap the vanilla protein powder for unflavored if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re out of almond flour, gluten-free baking flour works just as well. You might need an extra tablespoon of buttery spread or butter to achieve that ideal crumbly consistency.
Whipping Up a Zesty Filling
The star of these bars is undoubtedly the tangy lemon filling. While this recipe uses eggs, I’m diligently working on an egg-free alternative for those with allergies.
For a creamy base, I used nonfat plain Greek yogurt. A dairy-free version works perfectly as a substitute if needed. To capture the refreshing essence of lemon without any overpowering tartness, I used fresh lemon juice and zest. A dash of turmeric adds a vibrant yellow hue, but you can skip it if you prefer.
The Recipe: Protein Lemon Bars
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Yields: 9 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1/2 cup (60g) unflavored or vanilla protein powder (whey blend or soy isolate)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or gluten-free baking flour (+ 1 tbsp. additional buttery spread if using gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp. buttery spread (vegan buttery spread or unsalted butter)
- 1-2 tbsp. water (as needed)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup (60g) unflavored or vanilla protein powder (whey blend or soy isolate)
- 1/4 cup Stevita Naturals spoonable sweetener or 3/4 cup – 1 cup sugar, erythritol, monk fruit (or any sweetener that measures 1:1 like sugar)
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 3 large whole eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (approximately 3 medium lemons)
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of turmeric (optional, for color)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C).
- Line an 8″x8″ baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine all the crust ingredients using a fork until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together all the filling ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth and frothy.
- Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for another 30 minutes, or until the filling is just set in the middle.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust with powdered sweetener or sugar.
- Cut into 9 equal squares and enjoy your protein-packed lemon bars!
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Tips:
- Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring you have a protein-packed treat on hand whenever cravings strike.
A Final Word:
There you have it – a recipe for Protein Lemon Bars that’s as delicious as it is good for you. These bars are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these protein-packed lemon bars today. Share the love and let me know what you think in the comments below.
And remember, for more inspiring DIY projects, creative crafts, and unique gift ideas, explore the rest of the “Robert Kline Art” website. Happy baking!