Healthy Lemon Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Healthy Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also packed with better-for-you ingredients. The almond flour crust provides a nutty flavor and is gluten-free, while the filling is made with natural sweeteners, fresh lemon juice, and eggs. The result is a bright, tangy dessert that’s naturally lower in sugar and free from refined ingredients. You can enjoy these lemon bars without the heavy feeling often left by traditional desserts. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for anyone who loves a citrusy treat!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup honey or maple syrup

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the filling: While the crust cools, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until well beaten. Add the honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

4. Bake the bars: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center no longer jiggles. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

5. Cool and chill: Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to fully set and firm up.

6. Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy! For an extra touch, sprinkle the top with a little powdered erythritol or coconut sugar, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 9-12 servings, depending on how large you cut the bars.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30-32 minutes

• Chilling time: 2 hours

• Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Healthy Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars are best enjoyed chilled. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

If you’re not following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for almond flour. However, the texture of the crust will be different. Almond flour gives a slightly nutty flavor and a denser, more crumbly texture.

2. Can I make these bars without coconut flour?

Coconut flour helps thicken the filling and provides structure, but you can replace it with a small amount of arrowroot powder or cornstarch if needed. Be sure to adjust the amount to get the right consistency.

3. Can I make the crust with a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or stevia if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the taste and sweetness level may vary depending on the sweetener used.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these Healthy Lemon Bars actually taste better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for a few days.

5. Can I make the bars without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes to thicken). This will work well for a vegan version of these bars, though the texture may be slightly different.

6. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe because it provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. However, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but the taste might not be as fresh and lively.

7. Are these bars keto-friendly?

Yes, these Healthy Lemon Bars are naturally low in carbs, especially if you use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. The almond flour crust and coconut flour filling make these bars a great option for a keto diet.

8. Can I make these bars in a larger pan?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as the bars will be thinner and might bake a little faster.

9. Can I use a different type of oil for the crust?

Yes, you can use other oils such as avocado oil or olive oil in place of coconut oil. Just keep in mind that coconut oil adds a slight coconut flavor to the crust.

10. How can I make the bars sweeter?

If you like your desserts sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey or maple syrup in the filling or sprinkle a little powdered sugar or sweetener on top after chilling.

Conclusion

These Healthy Lemon Bars are a light, tangy treat that offers all the flavor of traditional lemon bars without the added sugar and heavy ingredients. With a nutty almond flour crust and a refreshing lemon filling, they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier dessert without compromising on taste. Easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and packed with bright citrus flavor, these bars will become a staple in your healthy dessert repertoire!

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