Gluten and Dairy Free Lemon Bars

These gluten and dairy-free lemon bars feature a golden, shortbread crust and a silky, rich lemon curd for the brightest, warm-weather treat!

The Story:

Lemon bars will always remind me of my Mom and Granny. I learned my love of baking from them, and lemon bars were on repeat as the treat that graced our tables in the summer. These nostalgic bars are remade to be grain-free AND dairy-free, extra indulgent by making them extra thick, and they become even more memorable with a whipped cream flower piped on top. The shortbread crust is buttery, crispy and sturdy for the curd, and the curd boasts the silkiest, smoothest, richest texture. Since these are grain-free, I tweak the usual method by fully baking the crust first, then adding a pre-cooked lemon filling. It keeps everything from getting soggy and really lets those textures shine!

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• The Story:
• The Ingredients:
• Step By Step Instructions:
• More Summer Recipes:
• The Recipe:
• Gluten and Dairy Free Lemon Bars
• The Finished Product:

The Ingredients:

Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make these gluten free and dairy free lemon bars.

• Almond Flour: This grain-free flour provides structure and moisture for the shortbread crust.
• Tapioca Flour: This grain-free flour provides balances out the almond flour for the perfect texture for the shortbread crust and helps absorb the liquid ingredients.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure, balancing the tartness of the lemon with just the right amount of indulgence.
• Dairy-Free Butter: Plant-based butter alternative that keeps the crust and lemon filling rich and buttery without any dairy.
• Xanthan Gum: A gluten-free binder that helps hold everything together, especially helpful in dairy-free, gluten-free recipes.
• Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the bars their bright, tart flavor, and classic citrusy punch.
• Eggs: Help set the filling, giving it that smooth, custardy texture while adding richness and stability.

Step By Step Instructions:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Step 2: In a food processor, combine the dry ingredients for the shortbread crust and pulse to mix. Add the cubed dairy-free butter and pulse again until the mixture begins to come together and forms a soft dough with no visible butter pockets.
• Step 3: Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is just set and lightly golden around the edges. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Step 4: Zest and juice your lemons. Place the zest in one small bowl and the juice in another. Be sure to use glass or plastic bowls and utensils to avoid any metallic taste in the curd.
• Step 5: In a glass mixing bowl, add the sugar and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and fully combined. This helps release the natural oils and flavor from the zest.
• Step 6: Add the eggs and egg yolks to the sugar mixture and whisk until it lightens in color and becomes slightly frothy.
• Step 7: Pour in the lemon juice and water, and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
• Step 8: Set up a double boiler by placing the bowl over a saucepan with 1–2 inches of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the mixture constantly until it thickens into a rich curd. It’s ready when it slowly drips off a spatula in thick droplets and briefly holds a line when you run the spatula through it.
• Step 9: Remove from heat and strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove the zest (optional if you prefer a smoother texture). Stir in the dairy-free butter until melted and fully incorporated.
• Step 10: Pour the lemon curd over the pre-baked crust and return to the oven for 10–12 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but have a slight jiggle in the center. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
• Step 11: Top with whipped cream flowers or dust with powdered sugar for a pretty, finished touch.

More Summer Recipes:

The Recipe:

The Finished Product:

Win the bake sale this year with these indulgent lemon bars! Each bite is bursting with the bright and tart flavor of lemon, and is balanced beautifully with the buttery crust. Enjoy!