Healthy Lemon Bars

Having a sweet tooth doesn’t always mean I want to indulge in something heavy. That’s where Healthy Lemon Bars come in. These delightful treats are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making them the ideal snack or dessert for any occasion. I still remember the first time I made them; I was experimenting in my kitchen and wanted something refreshing yet guilt-free. As the aroma of fresh lemon filled the air, my family gathered around, curious. One bite revealed a burst of citrus flavor, and my heart was set. Ever since that day, Healthy Lemon Bars have become a favorite in our home.

What’s In This Healthy Lemon Bars

The ingredients used in Healthy Lemon Bars work together beautifully to create a treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The key players here are white beans, which provide a creamy texture, and lemon juice, which brings that wonderfully bright flavor. You’ll also find coconut butter for richness and sweetness from maple syrup. Together, they form a perfect harmony of flavors.

• 1/3 cup applesauce or mashed banana: This acts as a moistening agent, contributing to the bars’ tender texture. It’s a healthier alternative to oil or butter.
• 2 tsp lemon zest: The zest packs a punch of lemon flavor that enhances the overall citrusy taste of the bars.
• 1/3 cup flour of choice: This can be any flour you prefer, whether it’s all-purpose or a low-carb variety, to suit your dietary needs.
• 1 1/2 cups white beans or chickpeas: Using canned beans, drained and rinsed, adds creaminess and protein without the added fat.
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave: A natural sweetener that provides just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the bars healthy.
• 1/4 cup coconut butter: This adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor, making the bars extra delicious.
• 3/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/8 tsp baking soda: These leavening agents help the bars rise and become fluffy.
• 1/4 tsp salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: This adds a warm undertone that complements the lemon.
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides that essential tang that makes these bars irresistible.

Cooking Instructions for Healthy Lemon Bars

Making Healthy Lemon Bars is a breeze and a fun experience! Let me walk you through the process step by step. You’ll enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh lemons filling your kitchen as you prepare these bars.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important first step because a properly preheated oven ensures that your Healthy Lemon Bars bake evenly.

2. Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. This will help prevent the bars from sticking, making it easier to remove them once they’re baked.

3. Drain and rinse the white beans or chickpeas thoroughly. This step is crucial! Rinsing removes any canned taste and ensures your bars have a fresh flavor.

4. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients: applesauce, lemon zest, flour, white beans, sweetener, coconut butter, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Process until the mixture is completely smooth. This is where the magic happens! A smooth batter leads to a perfect texture.

5. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring an even bake.

6. Bake for 24 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden on top. If you want to make muffins instead, bake for about 12 minutes.

7. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven, but don’t worry if they seem soft. They will firm up as they cool! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

8. For a delightful frosting, melt 1/3 cup of coconut butter. If it’s too thick, add a little coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency.

9. Mix the melted coconut butter with your choice of sweetener until well combined. Feel free to frost the bars or simply serve them plain!

10. Finally, enjoy your delicious Healthy Lemon Bars with family or friends. They’re sure to impress!

Making Adjustments

If you’d like to make some adjustments to the Healthy Lemon Bars, here are a few tips to consider:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to five days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Pairing: These bars are excellent with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade.
• Variety: Feel free to add poppy seeds or chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Sugar alternatives: If you prefer, you can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
• Flour options: Experiment with different flours, such as almond flour or oat flour, to suit your dietary preferences.

How to Enjoy Healthy Lemon Bars

Healthy Lemon Bars make for a delightful treat any time of year. They’re perfect for a sunny spring picnic, bringing a bright, cheerful flavor to your outdoor gatherings. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy them:

• As a snack: They’re a quick, nutritious option for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• With tea: Pair them with a cup of green tea or chamomile for a relaxing moment.
• At parties: Serve these bars at birthday parties or potlucks, guaranteed to impress guests!
• For brunch: Slice them into smaller squares and serve as a light dessert at brunch gatherings.
• Seasonal treats: They’re light enough to enjoy in the summer heat but refreshing enough for spring celebrations.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Healthy Lemon Bars are truly a delightful treat that balances health and flavor perfectly. With their refreshing taste and simple ingredients, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. So why not give them a try today? You might just find your new go-to snack or dessert!

Healthy Lemon Bars

Craving something sweet yet guilt-free? Try these Healthy Lemon Bars! They’re the perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, made with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy them as a refreshing snack or dessert that’s easy to make and delicious to eat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Servings: 11 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup Applesauce or mashed banana
• 2 tsp Lemon zest
• 1/3 cup Flour of choice (low carb version: Keto Lemon Bars)
• 1 1/2 cup White beans or chickpeas (1 can, drained)
• 1/3 cup Pure maple syrup or honey or agave
• 1/4 cup Coconut butter or any full-fat butter spread
• 3/4 tsp Baking powder and 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Blender
• Food Processor
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important first step because a properly preheated oven ensures that your Healthy Lemon Bars bake evenly.
2. Line or grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. This will help prevent the bars from sticking, making it easier to remove them once they’re baked.
3. Drain and rinse the white beans or chickpeas thoroughly. This step is crucial! Rinsing removes any canned taste and ensures your bars have a fresh flavor.
4. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients: applesauce, lemon zest, flour, white beans, sweetener, coconut butter, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Process until the mixture is completely smooth. This is where the magic happens! A smooth batter leads to a perfect texture.
5. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring an even bake.
6. Bake for 24 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re lightly golden on top. If you want to make muffins instead, bake for about 12 minutes.
7. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven, but don’t worry if they seem soft. They will firm up as they cool! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. For a delightful frosting, melt 1/3 cup of coconut butter. If it’s too thick, add a little coconut oil to achieve a smoother consistency.
9. Mix the melted coconut butter with your choice of sweetener until well combined. Feel free to frost the bars or simply serve them plain!
10. Finally, enjoy your delicious Healthy Lemon Bars with family or friends. They’re sure to impress!

Notes

Tip 1: Don’t omit the lemon zest, because it gives a ton of lemon flavor.

Tip 2: If using coconut flour, only use a few tbsp (until you get a cake-batter consistency), because coconut flour is so absorbent so you won’t need the full 1/3 cup.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.