Healthy Lemon Bars: 9 Guilt-Free Treats You’ll Love

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Healthy Lemon Bars have become a staple in my kitchen, providing a delightful balance between sweet and tangy. This healthy, gluten-free, paleo-friendly recipe features a coconut and tapioca flour crust sweetened with maple syrup, paired with a creamy lemon filling. It’s the perfect solution for those craving a citrusy dessert without the guilt of refined sugars or grains. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious treats!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Lemon Bars

These guilt-free lemon bars are not just a delightful dessert; they come with numerous benefits. First, they are made with wholesome ingredients, making them a nutritious option for your sweet tooth. They are also low-calorie lemon bars, with just 180 calories per serving, allowing you to indulge without the extra calories. The use of fresh lemon juice provides a refreshing flavor, making these bars a perfect choice for summer. Additionally, they are gluten-free lemon squares, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. With their lightened-up recipe, you’ll enjoy a treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly healthy.

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Ingredients for Healthy Lemon Bars

Gather these items:

  • 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
  • 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

How to Make Healthy Lemon Bars Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, cooled melted ghee, vanilla extract, and one large egg. Ensure the ghee is not hot to prevent scrambling the egg.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the coconut flour, tapioca flour, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until it forms a dough-like consistency.
  4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment or sprayed with cooking spray. Prick the top of the dough lightly with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees until just set and slightly golden at the edges.
  6. Step 6: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and tapioca flour in a bowl until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling evenly over it.
  8. Step 8: Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 14-16 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  9. Step 9: Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 90 minutes to set fully before slicing.
  10. Step 10: Cut into 9 squares and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped topping or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Healthy Lemon Bars: 9 Guilt-Free Treats You’ll Love - Healthy Lemon Bars - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Perfect Healthy Lemon Bars

Keep these in mind:

  • These lemon bars are perfect for a wholesome treat.
  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  • For an added twist, consider using lemon bars with almond flour for a nutty flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Lemon Bars

Here are a few delightful serving ideas:

  • Top with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
  • Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a creamy combo.

How to Store and Reheat Healthy Lemon Bars

To keep your homemade healthy lemon bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars are best enjoyed chilled. If you want to reheat them, simply microwave for a few seconds until just warm, but they are delightful cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Lemon Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Healthy Lemon Bars?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients, especially the lemons. Fresh lemon juice and zest will enhance the flavor, making your nutritious lemon squares shine. Ensure the crust is not overbaked to keep it tender.

Can I make Healthy Lemon Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These easy healthy lemon bars to make are perfect to prepare a day in advance. Just ensure they are properly refrigerated to set well before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Healthy Lemon Bars?

To avoid mistakes, don’t overbake the filling; it should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven. Follow the instructions carefully for a perfect set.

Variations of Healthy Lemon Bars You Can Try

Here are some fun variations:

  • Try a vegan healthy lemon bars version by replacing eggs with flax eggs.
  • Make low-sugar lemon squares by adjusting the maple syrup to your taste.
  • Experiment with different citrus zest for a unique twist, like lime or orange.

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Healthy Lemon Bars

Healthy Lemon Bars: 9 Guilt-Free Treats You’ll Love


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  • Author: layla
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 9 squares 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A healthy, gluten-free, paleo-friendly lemon bar recipe featuring a coconut and tapioca flour crust sweetened with maple syrup and a tangy lemon filling. Perfectly balanced to offer a delicious dessert without refined sugars or grains.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 45 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

  1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, cooled melted ghee, vanilla extract, and one large egg. Ensure the ghee is not hot to prevent scrambling the egg.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the coconut flour, tapioca flour, and lemon zest. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until it forms a dough-like consistency.
  4. Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment or sprayed with cooking spray. Prick the top of the dough lightly with a fork.
  5. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees until just set and slightly golden at the edges.
  6. While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and tapioca flour in a bowl until smooth.
  7. Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling evenly over it.
  8. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 14-16 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  9. Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 90 minutes to set fully before slicing.
  10. Cut into 9 squares and serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped topping or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • These lemon bars are perfect for a wholesome treat.
  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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