Craving a sweet treat that won't derail your healthy eating habits? Look no further! These Healthy Lemon Bars are not only gluten-free and Paleo-friendly, but they also pack a zesty punch that will tantalize your taste buds. With a buttery almond flour crust and a luscious lemon filling, these bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you're looking for a delightful dessert to impress guests or a wholesome snack to satisfy your cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Get ready to indulge without the guilt—your new go-to treat awaits!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth, compact base.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it turns light golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, remaining honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and baking soda until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust, ensuring an even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 even squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.
- Optional: Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered coconut or almond flour for presentation.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Best enjoyed chilled.
Tips
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. The zest and juice from fresh lemons will elevate the taste of your lemon bars significantly.
- Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. For even cleaner cuts, refrigerate them for a bit after they cool, as this will firm up the filling.
- Experiment with Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup. Start with the recommended amount and taste the filling before baking.
- Add a Twist: Feel free to mix in some poppy seeds or a dash of vanilla extract into the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Presentation Matters: A light dusting of powdered coconut or almond flour on top of the bars can make them look even more appealing when serving.
- Storage Tips: Keep your lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They can last up to 5 days, but trust us, they won't last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
