Description
This easy gluten-free lemon bars recipe features a buttery, tender crust topped with a tangy and smooth lemon filling. Perfect for a refreshing dessert, these bars are simple to make with gluten-free ingredients and offer a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For Dusting
- Extra powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal of the lemon bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. This sets the base for your lemon bars.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, gluten-free flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Add Filling and Bake: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center does not jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing into 16 bars.
- Serve: Dust the lemon bars with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful, finished look.
Notes
- Ensure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, or add ¼ teaspoon separately to help with texture.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or vegan butter.
- Store prepared lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
