• Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and heavily grease a nine-inch square baking dish with either an olive oil or an avocado oil cooking spray.
• Using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream the butter and sweetener together until smooth.
• Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the eggs one at a time and mix until evenly incorporated.
• Add the lemon extract, baking powder, and protein powder, and mix again. 
• Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well, then slowly add the almond flour. Mix until smooth.
• Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking pan. 

  To do this either use a spatula, or I found it easiest to lightly oil my hands then press the dough out until it evenly covers the bottom of the pan.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center has begun to pull up and the edges are golden brown.

  Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan before icing.

To Make The Icing

• To make the icing combine the butter, cream cheese, and sweetener into a mixing bowl. 
• Using either a hand or stand mixer beat until well combined and you have a smooth mixture.

  Add the vanilla and mix again.
• Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting over the bars. 

  I find it hard to frost these bars perfectly, and if you are taking these bars to any sort of get-together, I recommend either adding some keto sprinkles, or cacao nibs on top to spruce it up a bit!

  Cut the bars into nine equal squares, serve, and enjoy!