HEALTHY LEMON PROTEIN BARS

Who says protein bars have to be boring? These Healthy Lemon Protein Bars are zesty, nut-free, and packed with all the goodness you need to fuel your day. Made in 20 minutes and can easily be made vegan!

PS. I think you will love making my oat flour cookies next.

Cheaper than store-bought 👆🏼

🍋 NUT FREE HIGH PROTEIN LEMON BARS

I love a quick and easy homemade snack. Like my goo balls or bliss balls, these high-protein lemon bars are easy to make and won't break the bank.

I make these nut-free protein bars for busy weeks, road trips, post-workout refuels, mid-day pick-me-ups, or snack emergencies!

✏️ HEALTHY SNACK

These nut-free protein bars are an ideal snack for school or work lunch boxes!

With no nuts to worry about, they’re safe for nut-free zones while still packing a punch of flavor and protein.

Their compact size and sturdy texture make them easy to transport without falling apart.

I drizzle a lemon icing glaze over the top and some melted chocolate or Nutella (or honey) for extra sweetness.

Talking about lemon, if you love lemon glaze, you will LOVE my lemon and lavender cookies!

❤️ WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE BARS

Nut-Free Goodness: Perfect for anyone avoiding nuts.

High Protein, Low Sugar: Thanks to the unflavored whey protein powder and minimal sweeteners.

Lemon Bliss: The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a tangy glaze is a flavor explosion.

SNACK RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The base of these bars, providing a hearty texture and fiber. Substitute with quick oats for a softer texture, or quinoa flakes for a gluten-free alternative.

Oat Flour: Adds structure and binds the ingredients. Make your own by blending rolled oats or use almond flour for a nutty twist (if nuts are an option).

Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content and helps create a chewy texture. Unflavored whey or vanilla whey works best, but vegan protein powder is a great dairy-free substitute.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used interchangeably.

Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness. Swap with olive oil or vegan butter for dietary preferences.

Maple Syrup or Honey: Natural sweeteners that bind and add flavor. Agave syrup or brown rice syrup can be used as an alternative.

Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Adds depth of sweetness. Use granulated white sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.

Lemon Juice: The zesty, tangy star of the recipe. Lime juice works as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrusy goodness. Lime zest can replace it for a slightly different but still delicious result.

FOR THE GLAZE

Powdered Sugar: Creates the luscious glaze. Substitute with a sugar-free powdered sweetener for a lower-sugar option.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Key for a tangy glaze. Again, lime juice can be used if needed.

Lemon Zest: Adds bursts of citrus flavor to the topping. Lime zest works here too

🌈 ADD-IN IDEAS

poppy seeds

coconut flakes

3 tablespoons white chocolate chips

Melted chocolate or Nutella

👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.

1. Prep Your Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, protein powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until the dough resembles cookie dough.

3. Bake:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are puffed up and slightly golden. The bars will harden as they cool. Let it cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze.

Mix It Up:
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.

2. Glaze & Love:
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars. Want even more lemony goodness? Double the glaze recipe. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing the bars.

Optional: add Nutella or melted chocolate.

💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS

DIY Oat Flour: If you don’t have oat flour, just blitz rolled oats in a blender until fine.

Make It Sweeter: Prefer sweeter bars? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar.

Custom Glaze: You can tweak the glaze thickness by adjusting the powdered sugar-to-lemon juice ratio.

Double the Glaze: If you’re a fan of extra sweetness and tangy flavor, double the glaze recipe. It’s the perfect way to make these bars even more indulgent!

Let the Bars Cool: Completely before adding the glaze to avoid it melting into the bars.

Customize Your Protein: Use unflavored whey protein for the cleanest taste, but feel free to experiment with vanilla or lemon-flavored protein powders for an extra flavor boost!

❓ FAQS

MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE

One of the best things about these Lemon Protein Bars is how easy they are to store. Here's how to keep them fresh and delicious:

MAKE-AHEAD:

These lemon Protein Bars are perfect for prepping in advance! Whip up a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a ready-to-go snack for the entire week (or longer if you freeze them). The bars hold their flavor and texture well, making them ideal for busy schedules.

STORAGE:

• Countertop: Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 6 days. They’ll stay firm and flavorful.
• Freezer: Want to stock up? These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually or place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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