Protein Cheesecake Bars

My all time favourite dessert without question has to be cheesecake. I prefer the no bake variety and one that is not too sweet. Typically I would choose to have this type of cake on my birthday and any restaurant that has cheesecake as a signature, which means I do not eat it often–probably a good thing!

I wanted to create a cheesecake bar that would be no bake, higher in protein, lower in sugar and fat, and of course be gluten-free so that my wife could eat it. She loves cheesecake too! The crust was the easy part I found, it was creating a no bake version that held together well.  I can now keep this bar on hand in the freezer anytime I feel like cheesecake, or company is over and has to try it.

INGREDIENTS

Filling:

• 2 square packages of Greek yogurt cream cheese (500g total)
• 1 cup of plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 5 scoops (100g) of vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (gluten-free thickener)

Crust:

• 1 cup of pecans, chopped
• 1 cup of sayer dates
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

STEPS

1. Place the 2 packages of cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and allow to soften on the counter. Cover with a towel.
2. Roughly chop 1 full cup of pecans or place in a blender on pulse for a few seconds.
3. Blend 1 cup of dates and scrap into a bowl.
4. Combine the chopped pecans to the bowl of pureed dates along with 1 tbsp of melted coconut oil. Mix thoroughly.
5. Empty this nut and date mixture into a 9×9″ pan and pack down with a fork. Place in the freezer.
6. Measure and add 1 cup of Greek yogurt to the bowl of softened cream cheese.
7. Add 5 level scoops of Arbonne vanilla protein and combine all ingredients with a spatula or mixer on low.
8. Remove the pan from freezer and pour the cream cheese mixture on top spreading evenly.
9. Place the pan back into the freezer for 3 hours until the middle has completely chilled.
10. Remove pan from the freezer and cut into 12 equal bars.

For best storage cut bars and wrap individually in saran wrap then into a freezer bag before placing into the freezer.

Nutritional Facts Per Bar:
Calories: 240 | Total Fat: 12.5 g | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 17 g

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