Easy Lemon Bars
Easy homemade lemon bars recipe with bright citrus flavor, buttery shortbread crust, and blood sugar-friendly ingredients for perfect homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, about 3 lemons
- 2 tbsp lemon zest, finely grated
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- 2
Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp sea salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- 3
Cut the softened butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, about 3-4 minutes.
- 4
Press this crust mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan, using the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- 5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven until light golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- 6
While the crust bakes, crack all 4 eggs into a large bowl and whisk together with 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined, about 2 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and finely grated lemon zest into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
- 8
Whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder in a small bowl, then gently fold this dry mixture into the lemon filling using a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.
- 9
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust and spread to the edges with an offset spatula.
- 10
Bake the filled bars in the 350°F oven until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the very center, about 20-25 minutes.
- 11
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before refrigerating.
- 12
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for cleaner, easier slicing.
- 13
Dust the entire surface generously with 1/4 cup powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an even coating.
- 14
Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board, then slice into 12-16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| granulated sugar in crust | allulose or erythritol blend | These sugar alcohols provide sweetness without spiking blood glucose levels, making them ideal for blood sugar management while maintaining the same texture and browning in the shortbread. |
| coconut sugar in filling | monk fruit sweetener blended with a small amount of honey | Monk fruit has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar and creates a more stable blood sugar response without the aftertaste when combined with honey for balance. |
| unsalted butter | grass-fed ghee or coconut oil | Ghee provides beneficial fat-soluble vitamins and is easier to digest, while coconut oil offers medium-chain triglycerides that may support satiety without compromising the tender crumb. |
| all-purpose flour | whole wheat pastry flour or ancient grain blend | These alternatives contain more fiber and micronutrients, which helps slow sugar absorption and provides sustained energy rather than rapid blood glucose spikes. |
| regular eggs | pasture-raised or omega-3 enriched eggs | Pasture-raised eggs contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and choline, supporting brain health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits without changing the recipe. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12)
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 68mg |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
