These gluten free lemon bars will impress even the most skeptical folks in your crowd. Seriously delicious! And they’ll be seriously gone, so you’d better double the recipe!
I don’t know what it is about this easy little treat — maybe the mystery is in its simplicity — but they are universally loved and bring a smile to anyone’s face as they savor the subtle tart/sweetness that is so perfectly blended in a gluten free lemon bar. There’s just no reason not to be able to still enjoy that simple pleasure, gluten free.
Like anything else, the key is in the ingredients. If you use gritty rice flour or funky bean flours, for example, these creamy lemon bars will never bring the delight they ought to.
Use high quality, smooth and light gluten free flours, as in my gfJules™ flour blend. You’ll never look back once your recipes are this delicious!
Gluten Free Lime Bars
Oh, and how pretty are these GREEN lime bars?? Think St. Patrick’s Day or Earth Day or any day you want to add a pop of yummy green to your menu. Equally delicious either way.
Use lemons or limes, and even add a drop of food coloring to make these the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day!
Gluten Free Cherry Bars
Or here’s another fun twist: gluten free CHERRY bars! For Valentine’s Day, these are a great way to celebrate!
In place of the lemon juice, add tart cherry juice or cherry liqueur. In place of the lemon or lime zest, add a few diced, frozen cherries.
Reduce the cherry juice by 1 tablespoon if adding the diced cherries since they add their own liquid. You’ll probably also want to add a splash of food coloring to give the red some oomph!
Baking Tips for Gluten Free Lemon, Lime or Cherry Bars
A couple tips on making these treats. They’re super easy, but the first time you make the crust, you may think you’ve done something wrong because it’s very crumby.
Don’t worry! Once you press it into the bottom of the pan and then it bakes, you’ll be good to go! (line the pan with parchment paper for even easier removal and clean-up!)
To recap:
This is how the crust should look when you’re done mixing it. Do not over-mix it!
Then press it into the bottom of an un-oiled or parchment-lined pan (photo below is of a doubled recipe):
The crust is akin to a shortbread cookie, so it should be on the buttery-dry side before baking.
After it bakes, the top will be a golden brown. That’s the way it’s supposed to be!
Once you sprinkle powdered sugar on top, they’ll look and taste like the gluten free lemon bars you were looking for!
Enjoy these springy treats anytime you need a little sunshine in your life!
Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe
Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe
These gluten free lemon bars will impress even the most skeptical folks in your crowd. Seriously delicious! And they'll be seriously gone, so you'd better double the recipe!
Ingredients
crust ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (5 1/3 Tbs.) butter or non-dairy alternative (e.g. Earth Balance Buttery Sticks®)
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated cane sugar
- 1 cup (135 grams) gfJules™ All Purpose Gluten Free Flour
filling ingredients
- 2 eggs (or egg substitute of choice, such as 1/2 cup extra firm tofu blended with 1 tsp. baking powder)
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated cane sugar
- 2 Tbs. (17 grams) gfJules™ All Purpose Gluten Free Flour
- 2 tsp. finely shredded lemon or lime zest (don't skip this ingredient if making lemon or lime bars!) OR 3 diced frozen cherries
- 3 Tbs. lemon juice or lime juice or cherry juice / liqueuer
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- food coloring, if desired (yellow or green)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
Crust Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º F.
In a medium bowl, beat butter with a mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/4 cup of sugar; beat until combined.
Beat in the 1 cup of gfJules™ flour until crumbly, being careful not to over-mix. Press mixture into the bottom of an un-oiled or parchment-lined 8x8x2 baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Filling Directions:
Combine eggs, sugar, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and baking powder; beat 2 minutes or until thoroughly combined.
Pour filling over baked crust. Bake 20 minutes more or until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars only when completely cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.
Notes
This recipe doubles nicely when baked in a 9×13 pan.
*Note: if making cherry bars and using diced frozen cherries as well, reduce cherry juice to 2 Tbs.
Nutrition Information
Yield 20 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 70Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 19mgSodium 14mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 0gSugar 16gProtein 1g
Please keep in mind that nutrition information provided is per serving, which may vary. While we have taken care to provide you with the most accurate nutritional values possible, please note that this information may differ significantly depending on the exact ingredients and brands that you choose to use to make this recipe.
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I “liked’ your Facebook page a long time ago. Well, for me. Almost the first day I was officially gluten free.THIS recipe is a must. My husband loves all things lemon. Need I say more? I agree with what you said about zesting – knuckles always manage to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and this tool looks like it makes is easier.
Hi Mary – you’ll love this recipe and this zester is so much easier and quicker – I was shocked! I have a microplaner and thought that was great, but I’ve really enjoyed this handy tool!
Lemon bars made with Jules GF flour are my go-to recipe when I do desserts for a group. I have a Meyers lemon tree so I zest the lemons (lots of zesting going on) and squeeze the juice (lots of squeezing too) then I put it all in the freezer so I can make yummy GF Lemon bars all year long! Tip: freeze the juice in ice cube trays.
Sheryl – what a fantastic tip! Wish I could have some of the fruit of your lucky lemon tree! I just talked myself into wanting a lime tree … now I just have to find one!
This looks amazing!I am going to have to try it this weekend!!
I LOVE lemon bars, I havent had a decent one in years. I ‘liked’ your facebook post. I cant wait to make these for my CD sister and I!
I like you on facebook!
Jules,
I always love these lemon bars. Thanks for posting a reminder that it’s time to bake some more. I may make them later this week after we gobble up last night’s baked goody. [I baked a lemon-ricotta cheese tart using your flour for the tart’s crust. (Of course, why would I use anything else?)] So, you can see, I already have lemons on my brain.
Thank you so much for all that you do for us gluten-free folk! My whole household and my friends thank you, too. They get to happily indulge because of you!
Thanks RobinN!!! So glad to bring happiness to everyones’ taste buds! Your Lemon-Ricotta Cheese Tart sounds downright delicious! We must be on the same lemon-wavelength right now!
Jules, I have been “liking” your FaceBook page for a long time. And I love your flour and cookie mixes. I would love to have the lemon Zester. I can’t wait to try the lemon bars.
Vivian
Jules I already “like” your page On the lemon bar giveaway~
“Liked” your facebook page and cannot wait to try this delicious sounding recipe! Yum!
This looks like a yummy recipe and I have lemons in the refrigerator. Think I will be baking soon!
This will be a first time making them can’t wait my little 5 year old I hope will love them he’s so picky being on a gluten free diet , hope this is a winner ,
I just made a version of these this weekend!!! So yummy thanks!
Marisa – so glad you loved them!
I have been a FB fan for a long time!! Love your blog! Love your books!! I love lemon sorbet, too!
Diane – lemon sorbet … yuuuuuuummmmm! :p
I LOVE this recipe…it’s SO amazing…and I would LOVE to win one of those zesters…mine always bite my knuckles as well.
Joan – isn’t it true? I used to dread zesting! No more! Here come lots more lemon and lime and chocolate (!) recipes!!!!
I’ve “liked” you on Facebook and love lemon delights and like you, when I zest, I scrape my knuckles something fierce!
These sound delicious and easy! Will this recipe work if I use EnerG egg replacer?
Hi Katie, I love Ener-G egg replacer in cookies, but in this recipe, I think I’d try a gelatine egg replacer recipe instead. Let us know how it works out!
This sounds so good, my mouth is watering!
I love discovering great food that is gluten free. Finding ways to love what you eat and it be good for you is an adventure!
Yes, Glenda – “an adventure” is a great way of describing it! A very rewarding adventure, don’t you think?! : )
the family thought i just made these to make them and with in a few moments they were gone. they didnt even know they were gluten free…guess imma have to make more. thanks for the amaizing things you do. (:
Ashlie- that’s fantastic! Isn’t it fun when people don’t know they’re eating GF?! You will have to make more, though! : )
These were fabulous! Had my neighbor over and she loved them! What a treat. Thank you so much Jules! Off to try bread!
Can you use regular white C & H Sugar in place of the Wholesome Sweetners granulated cane sugar?
Absolutely – regular white granulated or evaporated cane sugar or organic, vegan, or even coconut palm sugar would all work.