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Lemon Protein Blondies

Lemon Protein Blondies

Lemon Protein Blondies are moist, flavorful bars blending bright lemon zest and juice with a protein-packed base, making a nutritious, guilt-free snack ideal for energy boosts, post-workout treats, or wholesome desserts. They balance tangy citrus notes with a chewy, tender texture and are easy to prepare using clean, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup whey or plant-based protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil or butter, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the blondies tender and not dense.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. This step helps the bars to set properly and slice cleanly without crumbling.

Notes

  • Choose a mild-flavored vanilla or unflavored protein powder to let the lemon flavor stand out.
  • Do not overbake to prevent dryness; start checking at 20 minutes.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, authentic citrus flavor.
  • Let blondies cool completely after baking to improve structure and ease of slicing.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup according to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon, protein, blondies, gluten free, healthy snack, protein bars, citrus dessert, clean eating