Healthy Lemon Bars (gluten free, dairy free & paleo!)

Does someone else call to mind lemon bars as a will have to make dessert for Memorial Day weekend? Maybe it’s simply me, however rising up we at all times loved strawberry shortcake and lemon bars for a Memorial Day dessert. In fact, strawberry shortcake used to be my mother’s absolute favourite.

Most of the desserts I had rising up have been out of the box, unless it was once Dad’s yellow cake or Grandma’s home made lemon pie, but I will have to say that there’s a special feeling that comes with baking one thing yourself. Perhaps it’s a way of satisfaction and accomplishment. Whatever the case, cakes almost all the time tastes higher when it’s homemade, wouldn’t you agree?

So, what do you say? Are you striking those lemon bars on your weekend/vacation baking record or what? I SAY YASSSSS.

These healthy lemon bars got a makeover

That’s right! We listened to one of the vital problems readers had been having when making those lemon bars, so please observe that I've just lately up to date this recipe after re-testing and perfecting it. Continue reading for all of my very best pointers & tips for delicious and lovely healthy lemon bars!

What makes these lemon bars more healthy?

I’ve made a few simple aspect swaps to lighten up those lemon bars without sacrificing any of that nostalgic flavor. These healthy lemon bars are:

• Naturally sweetened. Both the crust and the lemon filling are naturally sweetened with natural maple syrup as an alternative of refined sweeteners.
• Gluten free & grain free. We’re the usage of almond flour and coconut flour to keep the crust gluten free and grain free. Plus, these flours upload a spice up of healthy fats and extra, herbal sweetness!
• Dairy free. If you so select! I have a couple of different choices for adding moisture to the crust that suits any nutritional needs.

Everything you’ll want to make the most efficient healthy lemon bars

Would you consider me if I said those healthy lemon bars were made with simply Eight simple ingredients (and that’s including salt and an extract.) That’s proper, they’re SO easy to make with only some refrigerator and pantry staples chances are you'll already have on-hand. Here’s the whole lot you need to lead them to:

• Butter: feel free to use common butter, a vegan butter (similar to Earth Balance) or melted coconut oil in this recipe. The selection is yours!
• Maple syrup: both the shortbread crust and the lemon filling are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
• Almond extract: I like including a little almond extract to the crust for that true shortbread taste.
• Flour: we’re the use of a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour to keep the crust gluten free and grain free but give it wonderful flavor and texture. You’ll additionally use slightly coconut flour in the lemon filling to lend a hand it set.
• Salt: you’ll desire a pinch of salt for the crust to boost the flavor.
• Lemon: the star of the show! We’re the usage of lemon juice and zest in the filling to stay in tangy, lemon-y and scrumptious.
• Eggs: you’ll want 4 eggs to create the very best texture in these healthy lemon bars.
• To garnish: I really like sprinkling the bars with sifted powdered sugar and further lemon zest. So excellent!

As I mentioned, I re-tested this healthy lemon bar recipe to ensure it labored out fantastically. If you made them prior to now years you’ll notice that probably the most substances have up to date to replicate this!

Questions on substitutions

1. Can I change the eggs? Unfortunately, no, I would no longer recommend the use of an egg substitute in those lemon bars as the texture and taste will be drastically other. Check out more of my scrumptious vegan dessert recipes here!
2. Can I use a unique flour? I would no longer counsel substituting the flour on this recipe because the crust could have a far different consistency and flavor. Feel free to try my lovely lemon cookies the usage of all purpose flour.

Healthy lemon bars in 5 simple steps

This healthy lemon bar recipe couldn’t be more uncomplicated to make. You’ll have silky, scrumptious lemon bars in no time:

1. Prep your pan. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, and please try to avoid a glass pan because the crust would possibly burn with glass.
2. Make the shortbread crust. Whisk in combination the dry ingredients and stir within the wet until a dough paperwork. Press the dough into your pan and bake.
3. Make the lemon filling. Whisk together your entire lemon filling elements till they’re rather well blended.
4. Layer the bars. Once your crust is completed baking, instantly pour over the lemon filling, lower the oven temp and bake till the bars are set.
5. Cool & enjoy. Let the bars cool at room temp after which in the fridge sooner than reducing them. Top with powdered sugar & lemon zest and enjoy!

Your lemon bar troubles, solved!

Lemon bars can be a little bit tough to bake since the filling is delicate, which is why I updated the elements and added a few the most important steps to the directions to verify luck. Here are some problems you could have confronted in the past with key guidelines I can recommend so that your healthy lemon bars turn out beautifully.

• Why did the bottom of my crust burn? Unfortunately, the use of a tumbler pan could cause the bottom of the shortbread crust to burn (even with parchment paper) so please don't use a tumbler pan.
• My lemon filling has white specks in it. You’ll truly wish to whisk the lemon filling till no egg white is appearing. Otherwise, you might see some white parts in the bars when they’re completed baking.
• The crust floated into the filling whilst baking. First, take a look at your baked crust: When you pull the crust out of the oven make certain there aren’t any cracks in it, another way the filling would possibly seep into the crust. Then, you'll want to upload the filling right away to your warm crust. This is an important for ensuring that the crust and filling do not combine together while baking. Pour the filling over the crust proper when it comes out of the oven and do not let the crust cool first.
• The tops of my lemon bars cracked. First, when you’ve simply overbaked the bars they can crack on top. Be certain to just bake them till the filling is about and no longer jiggles. Also, make sure to don't refrigerate too soon. Let the lemon bars cool at room temp before allowing them to set within the refrigerator. Otherwise, the drastic change in temperature will lead them to crack.

How to retailer healthy lemon bars

Store those lemon bars within the fridge in an airtight container for as much as 3-5 days.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I believe these healthy lemon bars can be frozen! Wrap them tightly and position them in a freezer-safe bag or container before placing them within the freezer and simply let them thaw within the fridge sooner than playing. They should keep just right in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Recommended gear for this recipe

See extra of our go-to kitchen essentials here!

More lemon treats you’ll love

Get all of our amazing citrus recipes here.

I'm hoping you love those healthy lemon bars! If you are making them be sure to depart a remark & a score so I understand how you really liked them. Enjoy, xo!

This publish was originally printed on May 21, 2018, and was up to date & republished on April 6, 2021.

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