Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

Bright, zesty, and completely gluten-free

These lemon bars are sunshine in square form. When my daughter was diagnosed with Celiac, one of the first things she missed was those bakery-style lemon bars at potlucks. So I set out to recreate them with zero gluten and all the flavor. The result? A dreamy combo of a tender shortbread crust and a tart, sweet lemon filling that will make everyone think you bought them from a high-end bakery.

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Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

Recipe Details

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the lemon layer:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, and salt. Press into the pan.
  3. Bake crust for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Make the lemon layer: Whisk sugar and eggs until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, zest, and juice. Mix well.
  5. Pour over hot crust immediately.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
  7. Cool completely in the pan, then chill for 1 hour before cutting.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips

The Final Word: These lemon bars are bright, zesty, and indulgent. Perfect for bake sales, picnics, or impressing gluten-eating friends without a crumb of wheat in sight.