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5 from 5 votes

Lemon Bars (Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar Free)

These lemon bars have a delicious shortbread crust, topped with a delightful lemon topping that is brightly flavoured; not too tart, not too sweet! The whole thing is gluten, dairy, and refined sugar free, though you would never know it!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: bar cookies, Dairy free, easter, gluten free, healthy baking, healthy treat, honey lemon, lemon bars, refined sugar free, shortbread
Servings: 24 squares
Author: Garnish at Home, adapted from Ambitious Kitchen

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 6 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (cold or room temperature) use cold cubed butter if not dairy free

Topping:

  • zest from 2 lemons
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 5-6 lemons)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • pinch sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13" pan* with parchment paper.

For the crust:

  • Add the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add the coconut oil/butter and eggs and pulse until the mixture starts to form a ball. You can also combine the mixture in a bowl using a pastry cutter or two knives.
  • Dump the mixture in to the parchment lined pan and press firmly into an even layer with slightly raised rim around the perimeter of the crust (this will help hold the lemon topping in place).
  • Bake for 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
    After a minute or two of cooling, press down firmly with a spatula (or your hands) all over the crust and reinforce the shape of the slightly raised perimeter. This will help your crust stay firm and keep its shape once the lemon topping is added.

Topping:

  • While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. Add all ingredients to a bowl and beat or whisk until frothy and well combined (a few minutes). Filling will seem quite thin and liquid-y, don't worry - it will set nicely in the oven! Pour the topping over the crust (after you have pressed it firmly).
  • Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, until filling is set (it should jiggle like jello, not be wobbly and loose in the centre). Cool fully on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (I like to leave mine overnight) before slicing and serving. Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy!

Notes

*To make this recipe in an 8x8" pan, simply cut the recipe in half and reduce final bake time to 20-25 mins, or until topping is fully set.