Lemon Bars

With a rich, buttery crust and a tart custard filling, these lemon bars are not only 100 calories each, but also better than many other recipes out there. With a thicker layer of custard and the added zing of fresh lemon zest not found in most lemon bar recipes, these are sure to be lip-smacking good.

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Lemon Bars

Prep Time
20 mins

Cook Time
45 mins

Makes
20

INGREDIENTS

Nonstick cooking spray

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon cold water

FILLING

3 large eggs

2 large egg whites

1 1/4 cups sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/8 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, use your hands to combine the 2/3 cup of flour, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and water to create a thick dough. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown, and then let cool for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk all the filling ingredients until well combined.

Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springy to the touch.

Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 4 rows by 5 rows to create 20 bars.

Mona’s Tips

Lemon bars are traditionally served garnished with powdered confectioners’ sugar sprinkled over the top (as it helps hide any bubbles in the custard). A light sprinkling adds a negligible 1 or 2 calories per serving.

100 Calories = 1 Bar (2 x 1.6 inches)