These Low Carb Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Protein Bars taste like a healthy Peanut Butter Cheesecake! Quick & simple to make – one bowl, no baking & no food processor!
I’ve shared a few low carb & diabetes-friendly recipes so far and have received a tremendous response. I’ve been making an effort to get more posted – I promise!
When I make protein bars like this, I like to focus on meal replacement instead of snacks. Having a diabetic in the household, I understand how important it is to eat each meal. We also live in reality over here, where there may not always be time to make a wholesome breakfast or lunch gets skipped. Having a ready to go, healthy protein bar that is filling & not loaded with sugar and carbs is vital.
You can easily cut these bars in half or quarters for snack size, I just calculate numbers for what I feel would make a suitable meal replacement.
I’ve shared a similar protein bar using coconut flour and I’ve gotten a lot of constructive feedback on the recipe. ( I love you all – and I love the feedback ♥ )
Some readers have shared with me that they routinely see a spike in their blood sugar after eating coconut flour. Also, some folks love the texture of raw coconut flour, others – not so much.
Although I love using coconut flour, I skipped it on this bar. Cream cheese and almond flour give this bar a creamier, almost dessert like texture. Like a healthy peanut butter cheesecake ♥
I’ll mention this each time – the protein powder you use here is key. The protein powder I use contains 4 grams carbs & 26 grams protein per scoop / 36 grams. You’ll find protein powders with lower carbs & much higher carb counts. Paying attention and reading labels are always a must!
Another reminder – sugar is sugar. I’ve talked about this before when it comes to fad diets, “healthy eating” and such – but again – sugar is sugar. Be it granulated sugar, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave, applesauce, molasses – whatever – it all translates to sugar when consumed.
The small amount of artificial sweetener really goes unnoticed in this recipe. It adds just a touch of sweetness. If you don’t do artificial sweeteners, feel free to use your preferred sweetener. Or skip the sweetener all together.
I always get a lot of questions in regards to subbing coconut oil in recipes and I understand people have reservations with it. Butter should swap out fine in this recipe.
This recipe takes just a few minutes to mix up. Throw a few ingredients in a bowl, microwave, and mix everything else in. Easy peasy. No food processor required – I love an easy clean up.
Here’s to a quick, simple, delicious and low carb protein bar that will fill you up! Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by ♥
-Amanda-
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup vanilla protein powder (pay attention to the carbs in your protein powder)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon stevia (or preferred sweetener - adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine peanut butter, coconut oil & cream cheese in a glass mixing bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir. If not creamy & combined, microwave for another 15 - 30 seconds.
- Stir in protein powder, almond flour, stevia and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer mixture to 8" or 9" square pan - spread/pat down with a spatula into an even layer.
- Refrigerate for an hour. Cut protein bars into 8 pieces.
- Store protein bars covered in fridge.
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