If you are a lover of lemon and zesty flavours then this Lemon Protein Bar is bound to make you one happy human. Creamy, dreamy lemon bars with an almond crust.

Made with protein powder, providing 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.

That buttery crust and tangy filling of a lemon bar can be so addicting…

But the high amounts of butter, sugar eggs, flour,  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.

If you are looking for the ultimate no bake lemon bar recipe, then look no further. I promise you these are the best damn lemon bars you will ever taste.

Bold claim I know! But these bars are truly a minimum fuss dessert. 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 lemon-y goodness. You can also swap lemon out for lime or orange as you wish.

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 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.

But, but wait! What if this said dessert is incredibly um… Good-for-you! Like for reals! No sugar added, healthy grains, healthy ingredients, amazing taste, completely guilt-free!? Do all my rules and all my discipline for craving sugar go out the window? Ha! They kind of do!!! 🙂

Because these lemon 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!

Zesty Lemon & Coconut Protein Bar

Bright lemon flavor with a perfect shortbread crust, these no bake, lemon protein bars are the ultimate fun and delicious dessert bar!

Incorporating protein, from nuts, coconut and a good quality protein powder with a touch of vanilla and honey to sweeten the deal.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, healthier lemon protein bars, healthy lemon bars no bake, lemon coconut protein bars no bake, zesty lemon coconut protein bar

Servings 12

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Lemon Filling

• 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+hours and drained
• 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut cream or milk
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen powder
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2-3 lemons, juice and zest – depending on how lemon-y you prefer
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Base Crust

• 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.

  Add almonds and oats to a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly. Add coconut, honey and coconut oil and continue to process until a dough like texture is achieved.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.

  Press the crust into the lined pan forming an even layer. Place in the refrigerator while you make the lemon filling. 

   

Lemon Filling

• Place all filling ingredients, cashews, coconut cream, protein powder, honey, lemon juice, zest and vanilla extract into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy.

  Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until very smooth.

  Taste test and add more honey, lemon or vanilla if you think it needs it.

  Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon,then place back in the refrigerator until firm and set.

  When ready to serve, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper  handles and transfer to a cutting board.

  Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars or more smaller squares if preferred.

  Store up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

   

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If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites