Healthy Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Bars (Low Carb, Low Sugar)
makes 6 protein bars. Please use the 2x 3x adjustable servings button for larger batches
Ingredients
Protein Bars
- ⅔ cup vanilla protein powder*
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 3 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener** , or any granulated sugar of choice
- ⅓ cup low fat cream cheese , about 2.5 oz , softened to room temperature. See notes for vegan options
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree , from canned
Deco (optional)
- ¼ cup low fat cream cheese , about 2 oz
- 2 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener , or any granulated sugar of choice
- ½ cup chocolate chips , melted
Instructions
- In a clean bowl, mix the dry ingredients: protein powder, coconut flour and sugar of choice (I used monk fruit sweetener). Add cinnamon powder.
- Next, mix in the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree, using your hands to knead and get the dough to combine together.
- Add more coconut flour if the dough is too soft, add a teaspoon or more of milk or liquid sweetener of choice if the dough is too thick
- Shape dough into a rectangular mound, then wrap in plastic wrap or an airtight container, and let the dough set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix ¼ cup of cream cheese with 2 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the protein bar mound, then slice into 4 bars. Keep the bars in the freezer until the next step.
- In a clean bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20 second bursts until melted, stirring in between
- Dip the protein bars into the melted chocolate and then set it aside on a clean parchment paper. Drizzle with more chocolate if desired.
- Let the chocolate set. Enjoy!
Notes
*I used Orgain Plant Based Vanilla Protein Powder. Whey protein powder also works, but will have a slightly gummier texture.
**For the low carb option reflected in the nutrition facts, use a sugar-free substitute such as monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. For stevia powder, be sure to convert the amount of stevia according to package directions
***you can substitute regular cream cheese with dairy free cream cheese that's made with dairy free milk such as Daiya, Tofutti or Kite Hill Brands.
Nutrition
Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1719IUVitamin C: 0.5mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 105mgIron: 1mgZinc: 0.2mg***Net Carbs: 25g
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