LEMON BARS

Zesty and Refreshing Lemon Bars

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

When it comes to special occasion treats, Lemon Bars hold a special place in my heart (and my kitchen). With their rich, tart lemon filling balanced by a buttery crust, they are the epitome of a delightful dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a sweet and tangy treat, these lemon bars are sure to impress. Plus, they’re low in sugar thanks to natural sweeteners like Swerve, making them a fantastic option for those mindful of their sugar intake.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and learn how to create the perfect lemon bars!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Bars

• Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a vibrant flavor that makes every bite refreshing, while you can easily adjust the sweetness to your preference with stevia drops.
• Deliciously Buttery Crust: This crust is rich and buttery, providing the perfect foundation for the zesty filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare these bars in advance, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or meal prep.

Recipe Breakdown

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 6 Tbsp Kerry Gold butter, melted
• 2 cups fine, blanched almond flour
• 1/3 cup Swerve Granular
• 1 Tbsp loosely-packed, freshly-grated lemon zest (from a large lemon; zest before juicing)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup Kerry Gold butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Swerve Granular
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
• Remaining lemon zest from above (approximately 2 Tbsp)
• 6 pastured egg yolks
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum*
• 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (like Great Lakes Gelatin, grass-fed)

Directions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with almond flour, Swerve, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined.
3. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Press the crust mixture evenly along the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan.
4. Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Filling:

1. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter. Remove from heat.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: Whisk in the Swerve, lemon juice, and remaining lemon zest until dissolved.
3. Add Egg Yolks: Whisk in the egg yolks and return the saucepan to low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (do not let it boil).
4. Strain the Mixture: Remove from heat and strain the lemon filling into a medium bowl to remove the zest chunks.
5. Incorporate Xanthan Gum and Gelatin: Whisk in the xanthan gum and unflavored gelatin until dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
6. Fill the Crust: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F for another 15 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the lemon bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with powdered Swerve before slicing into squares.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Bars are a symphony of flavors that celebrate the bright and zesty nature of lemons while catering to those watching their sugar intake. They’re perfect for any gathering or as a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Enjoy these tasty bars chilled, paired with a cup of tea or coffee, and prepare for the compliments that will undoubtedly come your way. Happy baking!