I describe these Lemon Frosted Protein Bars as a cross between lemon cake and a lemon brownie, with one exception – they are good for you!  These are simply the best homemade lemon protein bars! Perfectly sweet and tangy and made with wholesome ingredients and, unlike store-bought protein bars, contain no weird additives.

But I’m afraid these are another are one of those ‘bet you can’t eat just one’ treats! That buttery crust and tangy filling of a lemon bar can be so addicting. But the high amounts of butter, sugar, eggs, flour and sugar laden condensed milk used in a traditional recipe for these citrus-infused treats does not play along nicely with a healthy eating plan.

Good thing that my favourite thing to do is take an old fashioned ‘not-so-healthy’ recipe and ‘healthify’ it – turning it into a healthier alternative. I do seem to have an ongoing obsession with all things lemon, whether that be sweet or savory!

These bars are truly a minimum fuss dessert. They hit at only 8 ingredients! And the entire process goes like this: process in the food processor, press the crust in, blend frosting until smooth, pour frosting, freeze, cut, done!

They deliver bright, zesty flavor with clean ingredients like oat flour, cashew butter and real lemon juice and zest. Sweetened with dates and perfect as a no-bake workout snack, or a healthy dessert, these protein-packed bites feature a white chocolate drizzle and take just 10 minutes to prep. Store in your freezer for a pre or post-exercise energy boost!

And for how easy they are, the flavour and richness are wild. So, SO good. I have the bars all cut up in a container in the freezer, and I just set one out to thaw a bit while we are cleaning up after dinner. Perfect sweet relief at the end of a busy day. When life gives you lemons, you make lemon bars. It’s just what we do.

This healthy version is made up of a nutty oaty bottom layer topped with a rich, creamy, tangy layer of coconut lemon-y frosting goodness. They are super easy to make (three cheers for no-bake treats!) and crammed with the perfect balance of tart-sweet flavour. I am quite certain this will be my new go-to item for pot lucks or family gatherings.

I hope you like them half as much as my husband does; he may or may not have eaten half a pan of them over the past 24 hours.

I love a good yummy something and it’s become a tradition that I make something for the weekend, almost every weekend. It’s just a nice way to reward yourself I think, and keep the sugar-intake at a minimum.

After all, dessert eating has its limits – if we all could just succumb to our cravings, we would be sick, obese, diabetics and what not. Basically, I’ve learned that sugar cravings are not all that cute – you just can’t have it all… and the more disciplined you become with your sweet tooth cravings – the healthier you are.

Because these lemon protein bars are crazy amazing you can feel good about eating one or two of them, even for breakfast and not feel one piece of guilt about it!  😊

If you are craving something fresh and energizing, these homemade lemon protein bars are it!  They are the perfect grab-and-go snack or when you just need a ‘lil something’. Each bar delivers a major citrusy flavor. Keep them in the fridge for a refreshing bite any time.

Lemon Frosted Protein Cake Bars

Bright lemon flavor with a perfect shortbread crust,  and a delicious lemon coconut frosting. These lemon protein bars are the ultimate fun and delicious dessert bar! They pack in 12 grams of protein per serving, but the kicker is that no one even knows because they are THAT good! Try them yourself and find out why I have been eating them nonstop.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating breakfast, clean eating dessert or snack, creamy lemon protein bars no bake, healthy no bake lemon protein bars, lemon frosted protein cake bars, lemon protein bars no bake

Servings 8

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup oat flour (oats blended to a flour)
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup cashew or almond butter
• 1-2 lemons, juice and zest, depending on how lemon-y you prefer
• 1/4 cup milk of choice + extra if needed
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder

Lemon Coconut Frosting

• 1 cup coconut butter – store bought or homemade recipe link below in notes
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions

• If you are going to make your own coconut butter for the coconut frosting, make this first so its ready to go when you want to make the bars. Recipe link below in notes.

  Line an 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.

  Add all bar layer ingredients to a food processor and blend until a thick dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.

  Scoop out into the lined pan and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Place in the freezer for two hours.

Lemon Coconut Frosting

• To make the frosting, you need the coconut butter to be slightly warmed. Not melted but just soft enough to mix with the other ingredients.

  You can partially submerge the jar in warm to hot water. If you have a microwave, you can put it in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time (please be aware that the fibers in the coconut butter can scorch very easily).

  Or, you can wrap the jar in a heating pad and let it melt slowly.

  Then simply mix all frosting ingredients together in a small bowl or dish until smooth. Taste test and add more lemon or honey if you think it needs it.

  Spread evenly onto chilled bars then place pan back into the freezer for 30 minutes, or until the frosting has set.

  Remove pan from freezer and lift the parchment paper to remove the bars.

  Using a sharp knife, cut into 8 bars or smaller portions if you prefer.

  Store in an airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. If fully frozen let thaw for a few minutes before eating for the best texture.

Notes

Homemade Coconut Butter

If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now. But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good. It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat. Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:

It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.

It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.

Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin

It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.

It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome.

It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from Scratch is made with one ingredient! You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive.

Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy. Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing.  😊

Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet.

Go here for the recipe:  Homemade Coconut Butter 

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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