Recipe 5 – Zesty Lemon Bars with Honey and Almond Crust

Brighten up your dessert menu with these Zesty Lemon Bars with a Honey and Almond Crust! This refreshing twist on a classic dessert combines the tangy goodness of fresh lemon with the natural sweetness of honey and a deliciously crunchy almond crust. Naturally sweetened and gluten-free, these lemon bars are a delightful treat that you can feel good about enjoying. Perfect for a sunny afternoon snack, a light dessert, or as a special treat for guests, these lemon bars are sure to impress!

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Ingredients:

For the Almond Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Almond Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter (or coconut oil), honey, and salt. Stir until well mixed and a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the lemon filling.
4. Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until smooth and well combined. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, almond flour, and baking powder. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool and Chill: Allow the lemon bars to cool in the baking dish for about 15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and makes the bars easier to cut.
7. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the lemon bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or bars and serve chilled. Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra honey for a touch of sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Bars:

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for these bars. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can have a more muted, less vibrant flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the lemon filling before baking and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter bar, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
• Storage: Store any leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months!

These Zesty Lemon Bars with Honey and Almond Crust are a refreshing, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional lemon bars. The natural sweetness of honey, combined with the tangy lemon and the crunchy almond crust, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert or a delightful snack, these lemon bars are sure to satisfy!