If there is anything better in this world than edible cookie dough. If there is, I haven’t found it. So let’s take it one step further. Let’s combine the experience of eating cookie dough with the macros (protein, healthy carbs and fats) of a protein bar.
Introducing: soft, buttery, decadent Lemon Frosted Coconut Cream Protein Bars! Packing 19 grams of protein each, making them the ultimate post-workout snack or on-the-go breakfast treat. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of chill time, you will have a batch of these soft, chewy protein bars ready to go in no time.
In this simple and satisfying recipe, indulge in the goodness of no-bake protein bars topped with a lemon coconut cream frosting. The combination of almond and oat flour, vanilla protein powder, and the richness of cashew butter creates a dream-worthy treat.
Recipes like this one are the reason why I never think twice about going back to unhealthy junk food. Because why would I, when I can enjoy delicious frosted protein bars like these that are made completely of whole foods, unprocessed, made from scratch at home.. free of preservatives, refined sugars, and nasty ingredients.
These delicious bars are every foodies dream come true – and like me you will want to make them over and over (and over) again. Made with just a handful of good-for-you ingredients, they taste like a rich, fudgy treat that will melt in your mouth!
This wholesome recipe is loaded with plant-based goodness and protein-packed ingredients and is an ideal treat that is perfect for placating your sweet tooth when you are on a healthier eating kick. Don’t get me wrong, these protein bars are not diet food. They are, however, made out of nutrient-dense ingredients such as almonds, coconut, nut butter and honey and are healthier than anything you can buy at the store.
The incredible lemon coconut cream frosting takes these to the next level adding a luscious finishing touch to these bars. Made with coconut cream and white chocolate chips, it achieves a creamy consistency that complements the fudginess of the bars. It is the crown jewel of this recipe. Its rich and creamy and perfect for decorating or frosting ANYTHING! Made with just 4 ingredients!
It’s made with NO butter, NO shortening, NO margarine and NO powdered sugar! No weird and unusual ingredients either. All you need is FOUR ingredients: coconut cream, protein powder, chocolate chips and fresh lemon.
I love that these bars are NO BAKE and naturally sweetened, made without white refined flour, butter, or refined sugar. Keep leftovers (if there are leftovers… how could there possibly be leftovers?!) in the fridge for up to one week, making these protein bars a fantastic option for a dessert or any time snack.
Ideal for the fridge or freezer, these bars offer a convenient and wholesome treat – chill for 45 minutes for a delicious, no-fuss snack. Enjoy one of these amazing protein bars by itself or pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an even more drool-worthy treat! I sometimes break one up and top my breakfast smoothie bowl with it. Oh my!
No matter when or where you plan on serving these protein bars, everyone will LOVE them. You will be asked for the recipe.
Lemon Frosted Coconut Cream Protein Bars
Ingredients
Bar Base
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
- 1/2 cup cashew or almond butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons milk of choice as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Lemon Coconut Cream Frosting
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
- 1-2 lemons, juice and zest - depending on how lemony you prefer
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these brownies to allow coconut cream to separate.Line a 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Bar Base
- In a medium bowl mix together all ingredients for the bar base until well combined. If the dough seems a little dry, add milk a tablespoon at time or if it seems too wet add almond or oat flour or protein powder until it comes together. Press into the lined loaf pan and place in fridge while you prepare the frosting.
Lemon Coconut Cream Filling
- Chill mixing bowl, electric beaters or whisks in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes. Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.In the chilled mixing bowl, add the hardened coconut cream and set aside.Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Add the melted chocolate and coconut oil to the bowl with the hardened coconut cream, protein powder, lemon juice and zest and mix until thoroughly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the frosting for 1-2 hours until it firms up.Then, remove the bowl of frosting from the fridge and whip it until it becomes fluffy.Pour over the top of your protein bar base spreading it evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Place back in the fridge for an hour or so for the frosting to set. When ready to serve, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 8 bars or more smaller squares. Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
