The BEST Lemon Bars Recipe

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor while being dairy-free.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: almond flour

💰Cheaper: cake flour

Almond flour is gluten-free and adds nuttiness.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: erythritol

💰Cheaper: cornstarch + sugar

Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Fully line a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together.

Melt 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add it to the dry ingredients. Optionally, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Mix the butter into the dry ingredients using a spatula until combined. Ensure there are no gaps in the mixture.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer without gaps or cracks.

Bake the crust in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until it's light golden and smells delicious.

While the crust is baking, prepare the lemon curd. In a food processor, combine 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of lemon zest. Pulse until the sugar is a light yellow color.

Juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, ensuring there are no seeds.

Add the lemon juice to the lemon sugar mixture in the food processor and pulse again until combined.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk until smooth.

Crack 8 room temperature eggs into a separate bowl to check for shells, then add them to the mixture and mix well until combined.

Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over the hot crust and return it to the oven for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through.

The lemon bars are done when the center has a slight jiggle and will continue to set as they cool.

Let the lemon bars cool for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.

Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and dust with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens