Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars
Description
These Gluten Free Lemon Bars feature a buttery almond flour crust topped with a tangy, naturally sweet lemon filling made from fresh lemon juice, zest, and maple syrup. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they’re an easy, refreshing dessert for any occasion. Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and irresistibly delicious, these bars are ideal for special gatherings or a simple afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups almond flour
1 tbsp tapioca starch
¼ cup maple syrup
3 tbsp cold butter, diced
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ tsp sea salt
For the Lemon Filling:
¾ cup fresh lemon juice
6 large eggs
½ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp tapioca starch, sifted
Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust – In a food processor, combine almond flour, tapioca starch, maple syrup, butter, lemon zest, and sea salt. Process until dough forms. Press evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake Crust – Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325°F.
- Prepare Filling – While crust bakes, whisk lemon juice, eggs, maple syrup, lemon zest, and sifted tapioca starch until smooth.
- Assemble & Bake – Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 20–25 minutes until set and edges are firm.
- Cool & Chill – Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 1–2 hours.
- Serve – Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy.
Notes
- Reduce lemon juice to ½ cup for a less tart flavor.
- Swap maple syrup for honey or agave.
- Add coconut flakes to crust or ginger to filling for a twist.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Gluten Free Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a luscious lemon filling sitting atop a buttery almond flour crust. The filling is made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and pure maple syrup, creating a refreshing and naturally sweet treat. The almond flour crust adds a delightful, slightly nutty crunch, while being naturally gluten-free. These bars are easy to make and will quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just craving a tangy, sweet treat, these lemon bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 1/2 cups almond flour
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1 tablespoon tapioca starch
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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3 tablespoons cold butter, diced
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Zest of one lemon
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Lemon Filling:
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3/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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6 large eggs
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1/2 cup maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Zest of one lemon
-
1 tablespoon tapioca starch, sifted
-
Powdered sugar, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Crust:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Add the almond flour, tapioca starch, maple syrup, cold butter, lemon zest, and sea salt to a food processor. Process until a ball of dough forms. You may need to scrape down the sides once to ensure everything is well incorporated.
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Press the dough into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
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Bake the crust at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Remove the crust from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
For the Lemon Filling:
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While the crust is baking, make the lemon filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, eggs, maple syrup, lemon zest, and sifted tapioca starch until well combined.
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Once the crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust immediately. This ensures the crust doesn’t become soggy.
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Bake the bars at 325°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. The edges should be firm and the filling should no longer be runny.
Finishing:
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Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place the pan in the fridge for 1-2 hours to chill.
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After chilling, remove the bars from the pan and dust them with powdered sugar.
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Slice into 9 or 12 squares with a sharp knife and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 bars
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
Variations
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Less Tart: If you prefer less tartness in your lemon bars, reduce the lemon juice to 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup.
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Sweetener: Maple syrup is used here for sweetness, but you can also try honey or agave if you prefer those sweeteners.
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Add-ins: For extra flavor, add a few tablespoons of coconut flakes to the crust or a pinch of ginger to the filling for a warm, spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store these lemon bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: These bars are best served chilled and do not need reheating. Enjoy them straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use a different flour for the crust?
Almond flour is a key ingredient in keeping these bars gluten-free, but you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the almond flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These lemon bars are actually better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. You can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them the next day.
How can I make these lemon bars more tart?
If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can increase the lemon juice by a tablespoon or two, depending on how much tartness you want.
Can I freeze these lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. After they have cooled and been chilled, place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
These Gluten Free Lemon Bars are a perfectly tangy, refreshing treat that’s both healthier and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the crisp almond flour crust and the zesty lemon filling is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the bright, fresh taste of lemon. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or enjoy them as a midday snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!
