These lemon cookie bars have a sweet lemon flavor and soft cookie texture. They consist of a cookie base made with almond butter, protein powder and lemon that's topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. These lemon bars are gluten free, high protein, paleo and vegan friendly!
Honestly, every time I make a lemon dessert I'm shocked by how much I love the flavors! I used to strongly dislike lemon desserts and baked goods as a kid, but as an adult I've come to love any and all things lemon.
These lemon cookie bars were made on a whim and they were so good that I've made multiple batches since. They had to have a permanent spot on my blog, so here we are. Hopefully you'll love them as much as I do.
These bars have a lemon cookie base that's topped with vanilla frosting. They don't require any baking (yay) and pack a good dose of protein. In addition, these lemon sugar cookie bars are gluten free, dairy free, paleo and vegan friendly.
Why You'll Love these Lemon Cookie Bars
- gluten free and grain free - made with almond butter, almond flour and pea protein
- paleo and vegan friendly - made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about
- no bake - these lemon bars don't require any baking
- packed with protein - they are high in protein for dessert
- easy to make - the base is made in one bowl, pressed into a lined loaf pan and then topped with vanilla frosting
Ingredients
The full recipe for these gluten free lemon cookie bars can be found in the recipe card below, but here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need:
- almond butter - I used almond butter made from dry roasted almonds (no salt, no oil and no sweetener)
- coconut oil - this is required to get the proper texture for the base. The best substitutes would probably be ghee, palm shortening or butter, but I have only tested this recipe with coconut oil.
- maple syrup - to sweeten the bars
- vanilla extract - added for flavor
- lemon - you'll need fresh lemon juice and the zest from one lemon
- blanched almond flour
- protein powder - I used Nuzest vanilla pea protein, but unflavored pea protein would work well too. Other protein powders may work, but I cannot guarantee results.
- salt - enhances the flavors
- vanilla frosting - I used Miss Jones vanilla frosting. While it's not strict paleo, it is dairy free, vegan and made with better-for-you ingredients. If you want these bars to be strict paleo, you can top them with a homemade frosting or coconut butter.
How to Make Lemon Cookie Bars
These cookie bars don't require any baking. You'll need a mixing bowl, lined loaf pan, spatula and the required ingredients. Here are the step by step instructions:
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. I used a 9x5" loaf pan, but an 8"x4" would work well too.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Mix in the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your lined loaf pan. Smooth the batter to the edges of the pan creating an even, level surface. Place the bars in the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
- Spread the frosting over the bars.
- Place the bars back in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the frosting.
- Cut to desired size and top with extra lemon zest (if desired).
Tips and Tricks
- Use pea protein - I have only tested these lemon protein cookie bars with pea protein. While other protein powders may work, I cannot guarantee results. Pea protein is very absorbent and protein powders like whey protein may not produce desirable results.
- Top with frosting - top with your favorite vanilla frosting to balance out the flavors. I love Miss Jones vanilla frosting, but if you're looking for a strict paleo frosting then you can make your own or top the bars with coconut butter.
- Make in a small loaf pan - these bars are made in a small loaf pan. If you want to use a large dish (8"x8"), then double the recipe.
Storage
Store these healthy lemon cookie bars in an airtight container or baggie in the fridge or freezer. They will last well up to two weeks in the fridge or two months in the freezer.
FAQ
I have only tested these lemon cookie bars with pea protein. While other protein powders may work, I cannot guarantee results. Pea protein is very absorbent and protein powders like whey protein may not produce desirable results.
No, you can make these bars without the frosting, but I think they balance the flavors and make them taste even better.
The best swap for coconut oil would be butter, ghee or palm shortening.
More Recipes You'll Love
Looking for more gluten free dessert bars? Check out these reader favorites:
Lemon Cookie Bars (Gluten Free, High Protein)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 small bars 1x
Description
These healthy lemon cookie bars have a sweet lemon cookie base that's topped with vanilla frosting. These bars are gluten free, dairy free and high in protein.
Ingredients
Bars
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond flour (50g)
- ½ cup vanilla pea protein (48g)*
- pinch of salt
Frosting
- ½ cup vanilla frosting
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. I used a 9x5" loaf pan, but an 8"x4" would work well too.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla.
- Mix in the almond flour, protein powder and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into your lined loaf pan. Smooth the batter to the edges of the pan creating an even, level surface.
- Place the bars in the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
- Spread the frosting over the bars.
- Place the bars back in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the frosting.
- Cut to desired size (I cut mine into 12 rectangles) and top with extra lemon zest (if desired).
- Store bars in an airtight container or baggie. Keep in the fridge up to two weeks, or the freezer up to two months.
Notes
*I used Nuzest vanilla protein powder, but unflavored would work well too. While many protein powders may work, I have only tested pea protein and cannot guarantee results using any other type of protein powder.
Katie
We love these lemon cookie bars and hope you all do too! Enjoy!