Recipes Missing All the Usual Suspects
Healthy Substitutions Change the Nutrition of Sweets
These healthy lemon bars recipe is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet and the use of almond flour gives the crust a delicious nutty flavor. Enjoy as a dessert or as a snack any time of day!
Lemon Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the filling
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 4-5 lemons
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray.
Mix Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt for the crust. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the dough is crumbly.2 cups almond flour, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp salt
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly.
Bake Crust
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Mix Filling
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, granulated sugar, almond flour, and salt until well combined.4 large eggs, 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 tsp salt
- Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake
- Bake the lemon bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the lemon bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, slice the lemon bars into squares and serve.
Baking FAQ
If you have any questions about either almond flour, or making the best lemon bars, odds are it’s listed in this FAQ below.
What is almond flour?
Almond flour is made from ground blanched almonds. It is a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to wheat flour in baking.
Can I substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour?
Almond flour is not a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour. It is denser and more moist, so it will require more eggs or binding agents in recipes. It also doesn’t have the same stretchy, elastic quality that gluten provides in traditional baking, so recipes with almond flour will have a different texture.
How do I store almond flour?
Almond flour should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from going rancid.
Does almond flour have a different nutritional profile than all-purpose flour?
Yes, almond flour is higher in healthy fats, protein, and fiber compared to all-purpose flour. It is also lower in carbs.
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Almond meal is made from almonds that still have their skins on, while almond flour is made from blanched almonds without the skins. Almond meal is coarser and has a more grainy texture compared to almond flour, so it may not work well in all recipes.
How do I adjust baking times and temperatures when using almond flour?
Almond flour is denser than wheat flour, so it requires longer baking times and lower temperatures to cook through properly. It’s best to follow specific recipes that are formulated for almond flour rather than trying to make substitutions on your own.
Yes, almond flour works well as a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs for coating meats and vegetables before baking or frying. It also adds a nutty flavor and crispy texture to dishes.
Almond flour is great for making low-carb and gluten-free baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread. However, it can be more challenging to work with in recipes that require a lot of structure, such as bread or pastries. In those cases, it may be necessary to combine almond flour with other gluten-free flours or binding agents to achieve the desired texture.
How do I get the perfect lemon flavor in my bars?
The key to getting a perfect lemon flavor in your bars is to use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. This will give your bars a bright, citrusy flavor. Be sure to use a fine grater or zester to remove just the yellow part of the lemon skin, as the white pith can add bitterness to the zest.
How do I get my lemon bars to set properly?
To ensure that your lemon bars set properly, make sure to bake the crust until it’s golden brown before adding the filling. This will help the crust hold its shape and prevent it from getting soggy. Also, be sure to follow the recipe for the filling closely and don’t overmix it, as this can cause the bars to crack or not set properly.
Can I make lemon bars in advance?
Yes, you can make lemon bars in advance. Simply bake them as directed, then let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze lemon bars for longer storage. Just be sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How do I know when my lemon bars are done baking?
The edges of the lemon bars should be slightly browned and the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. To check if the lemon bars are done, gently shake the pan. If the center of the bars jiggles slightly, they are done.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure to use a high-quality, 100% lemon juice without any added sweeteners or artificial flavors.
How can I make my lemon bars more decorative?
You can dust the top of the lemon bars with powdered sugar, or use a piping bag to pipe whipped cream or meringue on top. You can also garnish the bars with lemon slices or zest for added visual appeal.
