Description
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!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free certified, if needed)
1/4 cup oat flour, spooned and leveled (homemade or store-bought)
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar, white sugar, or coconut sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
FOR THE GLAZE
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Nutella or melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
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: Drizzle Nutella or melted chocolate on top of the glaze.
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Notes
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!
- Category: Baking, Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American