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High Protein Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars

High Protein Lemon Oatmeal Crumble Bars - recipe card
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These tart and tangy lemon bars get a protein boost from Greek yogurt and cottage cheese in the filling, with a hearty oat crumble crust and topping. Each bar delivers a satisfying balance of bright citrus flavor and creamy texture, perfect as a high-protein snack or light breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats (100g)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes (57g)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, small curd, drained if watery (113g)
  • 1 large egg (50g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (21g)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides for easy lifting. This ensures the bars release cleanly without sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and fine sea salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This creates a tender, crisp crumble.
  3. Press half of the oat mixture (about 3/4 cup) evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it firmly. This forms a stable crust that holds the filling without crumbling. Reserve the remaining crumble for the topping.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it just begins to turn golden at the edges. Remove from oven and set aside on a wire rack while you prepare the filling. Par-baking prevents a soggy bottom.
  5. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any cottage cheese curds. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling and sets the bars properly.
  6. Pour the lemon filling over the warm pre-baked crust, tilting the pan gently to spread it evenly to all corners. Avoid scraping the sides with a spatula to keep the filling layer neat.
  7. Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble evenly over the filling, pressing lightly with your fingers so the crumble adheres to the filling slightly. This creates a rustic, crunchy top layer that contrasts with the creamy middle.
  8. Bake the assembled bars at 350°F / 177°C for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges of the filling are set and slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Overbaking will cause cracks and a dry texture.
  9. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling fully sets the filling for clean slicing.
  10. Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice into 4 equal rectangles, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
  11. For best texture, serve the bars cold or at cool room temperature. If you prefer a softer crumble, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight or let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. For a crispier crumble after freezing, reheat in a 300°F / 149°C oven for 5 minutes, then cool briefly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon oatmeal crumble bars, high protein bars, Greek yogurt bars, cottage cheese bars, lemon dessert, healthy snack, baked oatmeal bars, citrus dessert, protein-packed snack, oatmeal crumble recipe, lemon bars with oats

Find it online: https://thehighproteinrecipes.com/high-protein-lemon-oatmeal-crumble-bars/