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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Wow! Those look absolutely mouth-watering! “Liked” you on Facebook and just got a starter package of your products. Looking forward to trying some stuff out for my four year-old!
love this recipe! I miss my lemon meringue pie….any recipies for GF in your bag of tricks? thanks!
J – Have a look at my recipe for Key Lime Pie with Meringue … I think you’ll like it! ; )
I liked your Facebook page and hope to try the lemon bars soon. Thanks for the recipe.
I liked you on facebook. Not sue why I never thought of looking or you on there! Love the cookie mix!! Can’t wait to make these lemon bars!
I like you on facebook and would REALLY like to win this zester. I have a very old one that I never liked and this one looks great.
I liked you on Facebook – and thanks for the reminder you have a FB site! I kept forgetting and look how many great tips I’ve missed! Thanks again for your dedication and great recipes / products
I liked you on FB. And I can’t wait to try out this recipe! Totally miss lemon bars, and definitely miss lemon meringue pie! Can’t seem to master the GF pie crust yet…everything either crumbles to smithereens or has a chemical aftertaste.
I liked your page. One thing I love to use lemon on is baked tilapia. No need to rework it. Just zest & squeeze a bit of juice over the fish. Salt & pepper to taste, drizzle w/ olive oil, and bake @ 350 for about 20 minutes. Serve over brown rice for a light summertime meal!
I liked your page and I also tried the lemon bars and they are delicious! Would love to win a zester for the next time I make them.
These look so good. I would love to win one of these zesters.
I liked your FB page. My sister in law has gluten issues and now a friend of mine does as well. It is nice to know about recipes that are gluten free.
Wow – I’ve been really missing lemon bars too. Can’t wait to give these a try.
I liked you on facebook and I’m exited to see this zester!
I’m new to GF but your site is one of the first things I found. I love it. I can’t wait to try these lemon bars. They are my favorite thing!
Looks yummy! I haven’t had lemon bars in ages. I liked you on facebook!
Greetings from Carteret County!
I liked your facebook page. Going to attempt your lemon bars, trying to keep knuckles in tact!
Hi Mariana! I just returned from Carteret County! LOVE it there! Enjoy for me!
The lemon bars recipe looks yummy! Can’t wait to try it. I am loving your flour…been using it for 6 months now.
Just printed it and am going to try them tonight – can’t wait!
I like your Facebook page and am excited to try out the lemon bar recipe at home!
i liked you on facebook . and think these lemon bars look insanely delicious!!