Since I live in the south I have access to fresh citrus fruits, like lemons. That means lots of lemon seed muffins and gluten-free lemon bars. They are a bright and yellow way to wrap food in the summer months.
There are several ways to make this recipe. If you’re looking for a lemon-free lemon bar recipe, make lemon bars with an almond flour crust. Need a dairy free version? I’ve included the option of vegan lemon bars as well.
Lemon bars have a bright yellow color, a strong lemon flavor, and a buttery crust.
How to Raise Lemon Bars
I’ve seen plenty of easy lemon bar recipes that call for a box of cake mix and a can of lemon pie filling. While I’m a big fan of simplicity, I’m not willing to sacrifice quality ingredients (or taste!). To me, the best lemon bars recipe has an old fashioned taste, thick and chewy with a strong lemon flavor, and still on the healthy side.
Using quality, real food ingredients is the best way to get the best taste and texture.
Lemon Bar Ingredients
Like I said, we’re skipping the box cake combo and filling the lemon pie with processed sugar and extra food dye here. The ingredients are still simple though and the recipe is not difficult to put together.
For the crust you can use organic, whole wheat flour, coconut caramel sugar for sweetness, and melted butter for richness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, then an almond flour crust provides the perfect hidden nutrient. And if you need milk without, coconut oil works well as a substitute for butter.
The filling uses lemon juice to create tartness and lemon zest for tons of natural flavor. Whole eggs and arrowroot powder (or more organic flour) provide thickening. I also use raw honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Here’s how to make regular or gluten-free lemon bars!
The Best Healthy Lemon Bars (With a Gluten-Free Option)
These tart, lemon bars make the perfect, gooey dessert.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla, and stir until a soft dough forms.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
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In a bowl, whisk the eggs, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
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Mix in the flour (or arrowroot) until fully incorporated.
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Pour the filling over the warm crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the center is set (it shouldn’t move too much).
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Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps them to set cleanly and improve texture.
Nutrition Facts
The Best Healthy Lemon Bars (With a Gluten-Free Option)
Price per serving (1 bar)
Calories 136
Calories from Fat 63
% Daily value*
Oil 7g11%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.4g
Monounsaturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 46 mg15%
Sodium 136 mg6%
Potassium 33 mg1%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 11g12%
Proteins 2g4%
Vitamin A 222 IU4%
Vitamin C 2 mg2%
Calcium 9 mg1%
An instrument 1 mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- For clean cuts: Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts
- Like sweet or more tart? Add another tablespoon of lemon juice or a few extra tablespoons of honey to taste.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Bars
Also known as lemon squares, lemon bars are very easy to make. You simply make and bake the crust first, pour the mixed filling, bake, cool, and cut.
Should I use parchment paper for lemon bars? – I do because it is very easy to take them out of the pan and cut them. You don’t want to leave any of that delicious crust stuck to the bottom of the pan!
Why can’t you use a cast iron pan for lemon bars? – The acid from the lemon can leach some of the iron from the pan, giving the lemon slices a metallic taste. There is little danger in using parchment paper, but many use recycled glass to be safe.
Shelf Life and Storage – These gluten-free lemon bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure you refrigerate them covered to preserve their custard-like texture.
You want a lemon
Need more lemon recipes? Or just in the mood for lemonade? Here are some of our favorites!
What are some of your favorite desserts to serve? Leave a comment and let us know!
