Description
Delight in these Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Bars, a low-sugar, high-protein treat perfect for a healthier dessert option. Made with almond flour and sweetened with monk fruit, these bars boast a soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy protein-infused frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 2 cup almond flour (organic)
- 1/3 cup monk fruit
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp coconut oil (softened)
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat)
- 2 eggs (large)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 30 g protein powder (optional, for a high protein version)
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 15 g protein powder (optional, for the higher protein version)
- Monk fruit (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp almond milk (unsweetened, as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, monk fruit, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, softened coconut oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and thick.
- Bake the Crust: Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes until the center is puffed and the edges turn golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, protein powder, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Mix until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. Sweeten with monk fruit to taste if desired.
- Frost the Bars: Once the crust has fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Chill and Serve: Slice into 16 squares and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Using organic almond flour helps achieve the best texture and flavor for the crust.
- Protein powder is optional but adds extra nutrition and structure to both the crust and frosting.
- Monk fruit is a natural sweetener that keeps this recipe low in sugar while maintaining sweetness.
- Ensure the coconut oil is softened, not melted, for proper consistency in the batter.
- The bars are best stored refrigerated to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
- You can substitute almond milk with any unsweetened plant-based milk if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
