When you're torn between a classic chocolate chip cookie and a creamy cheesecake, these keto chocolate chip cheesecake bars offer the best of both worlds. Combining two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat, each bar is packed with 8g of protein and flavors designed to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying true to your low-carb or keto lifestyle. These bars are not only gluten-free and easy to make, but also highly customizable to suit your individual preferences.
Why Choose Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars?
These low-carb cheesecake bars are the ultimate treat for anyone following a keto or gluten-free lifestyle. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie base topped with a rich, creamy cheesecake, further adorned with pockets of cookie dough. These bars aren't just delicious; they're also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence.
The Foundation: A Gluten-Free, Low-Carb Cookie Base
The chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars begin with a buttery, golden cookie base that's both gluten-free and low-carb. Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Blanched Almond Flour: Serving as the primary dry ingredient, blanched almond flour gives the cookie layer its soft, tender crumb while ensuring it remains gluten-free.
- Allulose and Erythritol/Monk Fruit Blend: This combination provides the perfect sweetness and texture. Allulose not only sweetens but also helps the cookie layer brown beautifully, while the erythritol blend adds bulk and balances the flavor.
- Butter: Adding richness and moisture, butter contributes to that classic cookie flavor we all love.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: No chocolate chip cookie is complete without them! These add bursts of chocolatey goodness without the added sugar.
The Creamy Dream: A High-Protein Cheesecake Layer
The cheesecake layer is what elevates these bars to a truly decadent treat. Here are the components that make it so special:
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Providing the rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture we all adore in a cheesecake.
- Greek Yogurt: Adding a subtle tanginess and helping to lighten the texture of the cheesecake.
- Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: Two scoops of vanilla whey protein powder transform this into a high-protein cheesecake, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while keeping you full. The vanilla whey protein also adds additional sweetness and vanilla flavor. For a simpler cheesecake layer, you can omit the protein powder altogether.
- Allulose: Keeping the cheesecake filling soft and smooth without crystallizing when chilled. Using just the egg white gives the cheesecake structure without making it too dense.
- Egg white: Gives the cheesecake structure without making it too dense.
The Magic of Allulose
Allulose is a standout sweetener for recipes like this because it doesn’t recrystallize like some other keto-friendly sweeteners. This ensures your cheesecake stays creamy and your cookie layer achieves that gorgeous golden-brown color. If allulose isn’t available, you can substitute powdered erythritol for the cheesecake and granulated erythritol for the cookies.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Keto Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 2 Tbsp. Swerve sugar substitute
- 8 Tbsp. butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- Powdered Swerve
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