Description
This Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars recipe offers a delightful tangy dessert with a buttery crust and a smooth, zesty lemon filling, perfect for those avoiding gluten but craving a classic treat. Ready in just over an hour, these bars balance sweetness and citrusy brightness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated on a Microplane)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- â…› tsp kosher salt
Filling
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated on a Microplane)
- ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- â…› tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with overlapping rectangles of parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined. Gradually add the gluten-free flour and kosher salt, mixing until the dough is uniform. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and pierce the crust with a fork to avoid bubbling during baking. Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it’s lightly golden and set, about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, gluten-free flour, and kosher salt in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, with no lumps.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is baked, pour the lemon filling mixture evenly over the hot crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center, about 20-25 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the lemon bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the baking dish, slice into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Lemon zest adds aromatic oils that boost the lemon flavor without extra acidity.
- Pressing holes in the crust helps prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor and brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make the bars extra tangy, increase lemon juice by up to an additional 2 tablespoons.
