Healthy Lemon Bars Recipe
This Healthy Lemon Bars recipe offers a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic dessert, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and gluten-free flours such as coconut and tapioca flour. The bars feature a rich, buttery crust made with ghee and a tangy, refreshing lemon filling bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free, lower-sugar treat without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup ghee, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Coconut Flour
- 1/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Tapioca Flour
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (zest of about 1/2 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling
- 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 4–5 lemons depending on size)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest (about zest of 2 lemons)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled ghee with maple syrup and one large egg until well combined. Add the coconut flour, tapioca flour, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, then stir until a smooth dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, 4 eggs, and tapioca flour until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and bake: Pour the lemon filling over the slightly cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18-22 minutes or until the filling is set and edges are slightly firm. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the bars set firmly and enhances the texture. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best lemon flavor in the filling and zest.
- Ensure ghee is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the egg in the crust mixture prematurely.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan butter alternative instead of ghee, though texture may vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To enhance tartness, adjust lemon juice quantity to taste.
Keywords: healthy lemon bars, gluten free lemon bars, lemon dessert, maple syrup dessert, coconut flour lemon bars, low sugar lemon bars, lemon zested dessert
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/healthy-lemon-bars-recipe/