“Cooking is always better with good company!” ๐ฅฃ✨
My friend ๐ท๐๐๐น๐๐๐๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐777(ไบๅไปฃใใฃใชใใณไบบ) and I teamed up to create this delicious recipe, and it was just as fun to make as it is to eat! From brainstorming ingredients to perfecting the final flavor, this dish is a blend of both our tastes and creativity. Whether you’re cooking solo or with a buddy, we hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to ours. ๐๐ฉ๐ณ๐จ๐ณ
These Healthy Cheese Bars are a delicious, protein-packed, low-sugar alternative to traditional dessert bars. Made with a base of almond flour, Greek yogurt, low-fat cream cheese, and sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or post-workout fuel. With a creamy, cheesecake-like texture and a nutty, crumbly base, they satisfy sweet cravings while nourishing your body.
Ingredients (Serves 12 bars) with Calorie contents
Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour – 640 calories
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted) – 240 calories
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – 60 calories
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – 3 calories
- Pinch of sea salt – negligible
Filling:
- 8 oz or 220g⇢low-fat cream cheese – 400 calories
- 1 cup⇢plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat) – 100 calories
- 2 tbsp⇢honey or maple syrup – 120 calories
- 1 egg – 70 calories
- 1 tsp⇢vanilla extract – 12 calories
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional) – 3 calories
Total calories for entire batch: ~1,648
Per bar (1/12th of batch): ~137 calories
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until slightly golden. Let cool.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, honey, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and chill: Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Health Benefits of Ingredients:
1. Almond Flour
- High in healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E
- Low in carbs and rich in protein and fiber
- May help control blood sugar and support heart health
2. Coconut Oil
- Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost metabolism
- Provides quick energy and supports healthy brain function
3. Greek Yogurt
- High in protein and probiotics, aiding digestion and gut health
- Rich in calcium, supporting bone strength
- Lower in lactose than regular yogurt
4. Low-fat Cream Cheese
- Lower in saturated fat than regular cream cheese
- Provides a creamy texture with less guilt
- Contains calcium and a small amount of protein
5. Honey or Maple Syrup
- Natural sweeteners with antioxidant properties
- Lower glycemic index than refined sugar (especially in moderation)
6. Egg
- Complete protein source with all essential amino acids
- Rich in choline, important for brain and liver health
7. Lemon Zest
- Adds flavor without calories
- Contains limonene and vitamin C for antioxidant support
8. Cinnamon
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- May help regulate blood sugar levels
Final Notes
These healthy cheese bars are a satisfying snack with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. At only ~137 calories per bar, they’re great for portion control while delivering flavor and nutrition. They store well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can also be frozen for longer shelf life.