Here’s a rich but lighter, high-protein version of that classic dessert:

🧈🍰 Ooey-Gooey Butter Bars (High-Protein)

Soft, buttery crust topped with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth layer — these bars keep the classic gooey texture but add protein so they’re more satisfying and meal-prep friendly.

⏱ Time & Yield

Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 25–30 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes (best texture)
Makes: 12 bars

🛒 Ingredients

Buttery Protein Crust

• ¾ cup oat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 scoop (about 20–25 g) vanilla protein powder
• ¼ cup powdered sweetener or sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Ooey Gooey Layer

• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup powdered sweetener
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Optional: lemon zest, white chocolate chips, sprinkle of powdered sweetener on top

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan.

2️⃣ Mix all crust ingredients. Press firmly into pan. Bake 8–10 minutes.

3️⃣ Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add yogurt, egg, sweetener, protein powder, vanilla, and butter. Beat until creamy.

4️⃣ Pour filling over warm crust.

5️⃣ Bake 18–22 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.

6️⃣ Cool completely, then chill 30 minutes before slicing.

🥗 Nutrition (per bar – approx)

• Calories: ~145
• Protein: ~9–11 g
• Carbs: ~11 g
• Fat: ~7 g

✔ High-protein dessert
✔ Soft & gooey center
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Great for snack prep

💡 Tips & Flavor Ideas

• Lemon butter bars: add 1 tbsp lemon juice + zest
• Chocolate swirl: swirl 1 tbsp cocoa into filling
• Low-carb: almond flour + monk fruit
• Extra gooey: underbake by 2 minutes
• Serve: chilled or slightly warmed