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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Jules, Liked your facebook page and forwarded your e-mail onto some friends of mine who are trying to be gluten free. Can’t wait to try this recipe. YUM!
I like your face book age and can’t wait to make these lemon bars! I use your flour all the time and love it! Your blueberry banana muffins are my favorite.
Erin- I love that recipe too! It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes for breakfast, brunch, snack … yeah, anytime.
I saw a box mix the other day at WF for lemon bars but passed it up as it cost $7+. I wasn’t about to pay that when I knew I had your flour at home. Then I sign on to FB and there’s your recipe! It was meant to be! Yeah! Lemon bars are one of my favorite treats!!!
MaryEllen – sounds TOTALLY meant to be! Enjoy!
I just “liked” you on facebook. I can’t wait to try out these lemon bars! Look delicious!
I left a comment yesterday but forgot to say I “Liked” your FB page. thanks for all the great recipes!
Looks yummy and easy! I just love recipes that aren’t too complicated and are GF! My GF daughter will appreciate it. !
Liked you on Facebook (actually have been a fan for a while). Would love, love to win one of these nifty little zesters.
The first year as a Celiac I purchased your flour at the Colorado GF Food Fair. It is the only flour I use. Thanks for helping me make truly delicious GF food and easing the transition into a GF diet.
Maryanne – I’m so glad I was able to go to the Fair last year and that you got to try my flour first-hand. That’s really the best way to become a believer and to feel empowered to make delicious GF foods yourself! So happy I can be a part of making your life yummier!
Wau! These were soooo good, I made them today at the first time for my son’s birhtday. =)
Happy birthday to your son, Minna!
Just found your facbook page and your blog. I heart lemon bars, but it’s been years since I enjoyed thems. Liked your facbook page
I “like” the webpage, and would love to Qin the zester!!! I have a sour lemon biscotti recipe that is amazing!
Yummy Jen! Sour Lemon Biscotti?! I’m in – need the recipe so I can get zesting again!!!
liked you!
you have been the saving grace since my diagnosis 2 years ago. i didn’t have to give up baking!!!
Jenn – so happy you didn’t have to give up baking! That takes all the fun out of it!!!
This is a great recipe which I’ve baked many times since your first posted it. Every time I’ve taken it for our “between services choir snacks,” they’ve been gobbled up with no crumbs left behind! And a couple of the GF singers now have the recipe. Thanks!
Fantastic Judy! You’re a sweetie to share such a yummy recipe – it can be hard to share, I know!!!
I ‘liked’ your facebook post to win the lemon zester! My husband has celiac so the zester would help with the baking I do for him! Thanks for all your recipes!
These sound great! And, I’m sure mine would taste better without chunks of knuckles!! I like you on FB!
LOL Camrynne – yes, knuckles need to stay put!!! Hope you can get one of these neat gadgets – much safer!
I love your email newsletters! I have tried and love your flour and cookie mix! I have joined your facebook page! Would love to win the zester! Thank you Jules for a great job!
I liked your FB page I’d love to win a zester!
I would love the lemon zester also. I make your lemon bars all the time.
I “liked”u on FB, BTW…I hope I win! My knuckles AND fingernails will thank u!
I’m soooo making this one next time my mother in law comes to visit!! She LOVES lemony desserts! I’m gonna throw some limoncello in it, n maybe make a glaze too…to add my Italiano flair;-) I love the tofu substitution idea!! Also, I’m putting on my brave big girl pants, n I’m gonna try ur homemade Ravis!! Wish me Luck!!
Yummy!!! Cannot wait to try these. I am so impressed with all the great ideas and recipes you have here to make our GF life easier and yummier ) God bless!
Thank you Renee! So glad you’re enjoying my recipes!!