Blueberry Lemon Protein Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Blueberry Lemon Protein Cheesecake Bars offer a delicious way to enjoy a creamy dessert with added protein. Combining fresh blueberries, bright lemon zest, and smooth Greek yogurt, they make a perfect treat for a post-workout snack or anytime dessert.

A close-up of two square cheesecake bars stacked on a white plate with a white marbled background. The dessert has three visible layers: a golden brown crust at the bottom, a creamy white cheesecake layer in the middle, and a glossy top layer with dark purple and white swirls creating a marbled effect. On top of the upper bar is a small, thin half-moon slice of lemon placed near the center. Around the plate and blurred in the background, whole blueberries are scattered, adding a pop of deep blue color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup oat flour (60 grams)
  • 1/2 scoop Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein (17 grams)
  • 1/2 scoop Dymatize Elite Smooth Vanilla Casein Protein (17 grams)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (68 grams)
  • 2 tbsp PB2 powdered peanut butter (13 grams)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Dannon Light and Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt (4 fl oz)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (81 grams)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (2 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup Fage 0% Plain Greek yogurt (6 fl oz)
  • 2/3 cup Chobani Blended Vanilla Greek Yogurt (6 fl oz)
  • 2/3 cup Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, softened (6 oz)
  • 3 small egg whites (102 grams)
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 tsp lemon extract
  • 3/4 scoop Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein (26 grams)
  • 3/4 scoop Dymatize Elite Smooth Vanilla Casein Protein (26 grams)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (48 grams)
  • 3/4 cup blueberries (105 grams)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (24 grams)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (3 grams)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a rimmed 9″x13″ baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the blueberries burst.
  3. Step 3: Whisk cornstarch into water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering blueberries, return to a boil briefly, then remove from heat. Chill the blueberry mixture in the refrigerator.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix oat flour, protein powders, brown sugar, PB2, and cinnamon. Stir in Greek yogurt, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the egg last and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the crust mixture into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Set aside.
  6. Step 6: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the Fage and Chobani Greek yogurts with softened cream cheese. Sprinkle sugar and protein powders on top. Begin mixing on low speed until powders are mostly incorporated, then increase to medium-high until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Add lemon zest, lemon extract, and egg whites to the cheesecake mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined, being careful to keep the zest from sticking to the mixer attachments.
  8. Step 8: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Spoon the chilled blueberry mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 25 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown and the center just jiggles slightly when nudged.
  10. Step 10: Allow bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor, and reserve a little to sprinkle on top before serving.
  • Substitute almond flour for oat flour to make the crust gluten-free.
  • For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
  • If you don’t have protein powders, simply omit or replace with an equal amount of additional oat flour or almond flour.
  • Swirl in a bit of natural blueberry jam for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are best served chilled. To reheat, allow to come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, though these bars are typically enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

A stack of five square dessert bars is shown, each bar having three visible layers: a thick, light brown crumbly base at the bottom; a thick, creamy white middle layer; and a thin layer of deep purple blueberry topping with a slightly glossy texture on top. One bar at the top of the stack is decorated with a small slice of lemon. Around the dessert bars, there are several fresh blueberries scattered, and the scene rests on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth partially visible on the left side. A bright yellow lemon out of focus appears in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the bars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Print

Blueberry Lemon Protein Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These Blueberry Lemon Protein Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously creamy treat packed with protein and bursting with fresh blueberry and zesty lemon flavors. Featuring a wholesome oat flour crust combined with protein powders, a luscious Greek yogurt and cream cheese filling, and a tangy blueberry swirl topping, these bars are perfect for a healthy dessert or a post-workout snack. Baked to perfection with a soft center and golden edges, they offer a balanced sweet and tart profile that satisfies cravings while keeping nutrition in mind.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1/2 cup oat flour (60 grams)
  • 1/2 scoop Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein (17 grams)
  • 1/2 scoop Dymatize Elite Smooth Vanilla Casein Protein (17 grams)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (68 grams)
  • 2 tbsp PB2 powdered peanut butter (13 grams)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup Dannon Light and Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt (4 fl oz)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (81 grams)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (2 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2/3 cup Fage 0% Plain Greek yogurt (6 fl oz)
  • 2/3 cup Chobani Blended Vanilla Greek Yogurt (6 fl oz)
  • 2/3 cup Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, softened (6 oz)
  • 3 small egg whites (102 grams)
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 tsp lemon extract
  • 3/4 scoop Cellucor Whipped Vanilla Whey Protein (26 grams)
  • 3/4 scoop Dymatize Elite Smooth Vanilla Casein Protein (26 grams)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (48 grams)

Blueberry Topping

  • 3/4 cup blueberries (105 grams)
  • 2 tbsp sugar (24 grams)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (3 grams)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a rimmed 9″x13″ baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier after baking.
  2. Make Blueberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the blueberries burst and release their juices. Whisk the cornstarch into water until smooth, then stir it into the blueberry mixture to thicken. Return to a boil, then remove from heat and transfer to the refrigerator to chill and set while preparing the rest of the bars.
  3. Prepare Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine all dry crust ingredients: oat flour, protein powders, brown sugar, PB2 powdered peanut butter, and cinnamon. Stir well. Add the wet ingredients except the egg – vanilla Greek yogurt, applesauce, and melted butter – and mix until combined. Add the egg last and whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  4. Form Crust in Pan: Pour the crust batter into the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Set this aside as you prepare the cheesecake layer.
  5. Mix Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the Fage plain Greek yogurt, Chobani vanilla Greek yogurt, and softened cream cheese. Add the sugar and the protein powders on top. Starting on low speed, mix until most powders are incorporated, then increase to medium-high speed and blend until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Add the lemon extract, lemon zest, and egg whites. Continue mixing gently until everything is well combined and the lemon zest is evenly distributed without sticking to the mixer attachments.
  6. Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Spoon the chilled blueberry topping in dollops over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the blueberry topping into the cheesecake mixture to create a beautiful marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown and the center barely jiggles when touched. This ensures the bars are set but remain creamy inside.
  8. Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars. This resting time helps the bars firm up and enhances flavor melding.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
  • Do not overmix the cheesecake to maintain a creamy texture.
  • The lemon zest adds a fresh, bright flavor—ensure it is well distributed but not overblended.
  • You can substitute the protein powders with your preferred vanilla protein blends, adjusting quantity if needed.
  • For a firmer crust, pressing the crust mixture firmly and evenly helps before baking.
  • Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days – store in an airtight container.
  • For a thicker blueberry topping, reduce cooking time or add slightly more cornstarch.

Keywords: blueberry cheesecake bars, lemon protein bars, healthy protein dessert, Greek yogurt cheesecake, protein packed dessert, low fat cheesecake bars

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