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.
Made these the other day and they’re pretty good! Love the subtle pb flavors mixed with cream cheese! But I noticed they are kind of crumbly, should they be or any suggestions to firm them up more? I’ll keep making them regardless but just thought I’d see if there’s a way to make them more firm.
OMG, Amanda, these are THE BOMB. I bought gigantic tub of plant-based protein powder to make snacks for my ailing Dad, who needs more protein in his diet. But everything I’ve made so far tastes awful. These are the first snacks that taste not only good, but REALLY good. Thanks so much!