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Dreamy Protein Cheesecake Bars - Protein Cheesecake Bars: bake this delicious low-carb recipe featuring a creamy filling and optional orange zest. Perfect for a

Dreamy Protein Cheesecake Bars

Protein Cheesecake Bars: bake this delicious low-carb recipe featuring a creamy filling and optional orange zest. Perfect for a healthy dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup erythritol sweetener
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cottage cheese (drained for 1 hour)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup Swerve Confectioners (or another powdered sweetener)
  • ¾ cup unflavored whey protein powder
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine almond flour, erythritol, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter and press into the prepared pan for the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then cool.
  3. Beat drained cottage cheese and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add Swerve Confectioners, whey protein, orange zest (if using), and vanilla extract; beat until creamy.
  4. Pour filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  5. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing and serving.

Notes

- For the smoothest filling, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. I've found that letting it sit out for at least an hour prevents lumps.
- Draining the cottage cheese for a full hour is crucial. This removes excess moisture, preventing a watery cheesecake and ensuring a dense, rich texture.
- When mixing the filling, beat until just combined after adding the protein powder to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to a tougher texture.
- Storage: Store leftover protein cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.