Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars Recipe
Bright, zesty, and irresistibly moist, these Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are a game-changer for anyone craving a wholesome treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. Each bite bursts with fresh lemon, a hint of sweetness, and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, all brought together by creamy Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack or dessert. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a shareable dessert for friends, these bars deliver sunny citrus and bakery-worthy texture with a fraction of the sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create such a vibrant, bakery-style treat. Each item in this recipe plays a special role—whether it’s adding tang, tenderness, or that signature lemon-poppy seed flair.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Delivers creaminess, extra protein, and keeps the bars wonderfully moist without excess fat.
- Honey or maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness and subtle depth, making these bars low in added sugar yet full of flavor.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the bars bake up soft and tender every time.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, tangy punch that’s absolutely essential in any lemon dessert.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor and perfumes the bars with fresh lemon aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the tartness of the lemon beautifully.
- Coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted: Lends richness and ensures a tender crumb—choose your favorite for a subtle flavor twist.
- Oat flour or white whole wheat flour: Creates a soft, wholesome base with a pleasant, nutty backdrop; oat flour also keeps things gluten-friendly if you like.
- Poppy seeds: Bring classic crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Baking powder: Helps the bars rise and stay light.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for that just-right lift and texture.
- Salt: Makes every other flavor pop, enhancing the overall balance of the bars.
How to Make Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—getting it nice and hot ensures even baking. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the ends hang over the sides for easy removal later. This simple step will make lifting the finished bars out of the pan a breeze and keeps cleanup stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. You’re aiming for a creamy, unified mixture that smells like a burst of summer! The Greek yogurt keeps everything plush, while the lemon and vanilla make the kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the oat flour (or white whole wheat flour), poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together first ensures that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, which means perfectly risen bars every time.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently, just until you don’t see streaks of flour. Don’t overmix—this helps the bars stay soft and tender. The batter will be thick and luscious, dotted with poppy seeds and lemon zest.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out and transfer to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, slice into nine squares. For a firmer texture, pop them in the fridge for an hour—this makes them even easier to handle and amps up their refreshing quality.
How to Serve Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
Garnishes
A drizzle of lemon glaze takes these bars over the top! For a sugar-free option, whisk together powdered monk fruit sweetener with lemon juice and zigzag over the cooled bars. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a few poppy seeds adds an elegant touch and makes them look bakery-ready.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars with a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of extra Greek yogurt on the side for a delightful brunch spread. They also pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or cold brew coffee, making any snack break feel just a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small rectangles and serving them as part of a dessert platter, or stack them high on a pretty cake stand for a cheerful centerpiece. You can even layer crumbled bars with yogurt and fruit in parfait glasses for a show-stopping treat at brunch or showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, keep the Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a citrusy treat, just thaw a bar overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a little warm, microwave an individual bar for about 10–15 seconds straight from the fridge. This softens them just enough and brings out the lemony aroma for a comforting snack.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use certified gluten-free oat flour instead of white whole wheat flour to keep the Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars completely gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Can I substitute another sweetener?
Yes, you can use your favorite liquid sweetener such as agave nectar or even a sugar-free syrup, but keep in mind the flavor and sweetness level may vary slightly. Adjust the amount to taste if needed.
How do I know when the bars are baked through?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—pull them out as soon as they’re set in the middle for the softest results.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! While poppy seeds and lemon are classic, you can fold in a handful of blueberries or swap in orange zest for a fun twist on these Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars.
What’s the best way to cut perfect squares?
Let the bars cool completely (or refrigerate briefly) before slicing with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean, bakery-style squares every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a bright, satisfying treat that hits all the right notes, I can’t recommend these Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars enough. They’re easy, light, and bursting with lemony goodness—perfect for any time you want to indulge without overdoing it. Give them a try and let that citrus sunshine lift your day!
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Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are a refreshing and healthy snack option featuring a moist texture, bright lemon flavor, and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, they make a perfect guilt-free treat packed with protein from Greek yogurt and wholesome oat flour for added fiber.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup oat flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, eggs, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the oat flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seeds.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can create dense bars.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 9 bars for serving.
- Optional Refrigeration: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the bars after they have cooled completely. This also helps enhance their flavor.
Notes
- For a tasty glaze, whisk together 1/4 cup powdered monk fruit sweetener with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and drizzle over cooled bars.
- Store the bars refrigerated for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
- Choosing oat flour keeps the bars gluten-free if you select certified gluten-free oats, though the recipe is not strictly labeled gluten-free.
- You can substitute coconut oil with unsalted butter if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
