Craving a dessert that tantalizes your taste buds without compromising your health goals? Get ready to fall in love with these Meyer Lemon Bars that prove healthy can be absolutely delicious! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that's bursting with bright, zesty flavor, while being completely gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. These aren't just lemon bars - they're a game-changing dessert that will make you forget all about traditional, sugar-laden recipes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (for filling)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars after baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and form a crumbly dough.
- Press the almond flour mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to pack it down firmly. This will create the crust for your lemon bars.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of fresh Meyer lemon juice, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of coconut flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. The edges may start to slightly pull away from the sides of the dish.
- Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to fully set.
- Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares or bars.
- Optional: Dust the tops with a light sprinkle of powdered coconut sugar or additional lemon zest for a decorative touch before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Meyer Lemon Bars that are gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free!
Tips
- Use fresh Meyer lemons for the most vibrant, sweet-tart flavor. Their unique taste sets these bars apart from ordinary lemon desserts.
- Make sure your coconut oil is properly melted but not hot when mixing the crust to achieve the right texture.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won't crumble when cutting.
- Allow sufficient chilling time - this helps the filling set perfectly and enhances the flavor.
- For extra elegance, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry when cutting to get clean, precise bar edges.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
