If you’re craving something sweet, zesty, and sunshine-bright, these Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars are about to become your new obsession. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and a soft, buttery crust, these bars are a simple delight for any gluten-free baker—or honestly, anyone who loves a classic lemon dessert with a twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Tangy Flavor: Real lemon juice and zest create an irresistible, mouthwatering burst of citrus in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Payoff: You only need pantry staples and a handful of fresh lemons—no hard-to-find specialty items required!
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars slice neatly into perfect portions, making them ideal for everything from lunchboxes to spring picnics.
- Truly Gluten Free—No Compromise: You don’t have to sacrifice texture or taste, thanks to a stellar gluten-free crust that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in these Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars comes from everyday ingredients, each one playing a crucial role. From aromatic lemon zest to the gluten-free flour blend, every component is there for a reason—delivering that irresistible combination of soft, buttery crust and vibrant citrus filling.
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of a melt-in-your-mouth crust; room temperature butter ensures everything is perfectly creamy.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing out the tart lemon.
- Lemon Zest: Packs a punch of aromatic citrus—using a Microplane brings out maximum flavor with zero bitterness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the crust, making it taste anything but plain.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The key to that crave-worthy tender bite, without any gluten.
- Kosher Salt: Just a small pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Eggs: Give the filling its rich structure and lovely, custard-like set.
- Lemon Juice (Freshly Squeezed): There’s no substitute for the zing you get from real lemons—bottled just won’t compare here.
- Powdered Sugar: A snowy dusting on top adds sweetness and makes every bar look picture-perfect.
Variations
One of the best things about Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars is how easy it is to tweak them to your style and what you have on hand. Think of this as your canvas—get creative to suit your taste buds or cover different dietary needs!
- Lime or Orange Bars: Swap out some or all of the lemon juice and zest with lime or orange for a different citrus spin that’s just as dreamy.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based butter—there are plenty of great options that keep the crust just as rich and flavorful.
- Almond Crust: Substitute 1/4 cup of the gluten-free flour with finely ground almond meal for a subtle nutty twist and extra texture.
- Extra Lemony: Add more zest or a few drops of pure lemon extract to really hammer home that citrus punch.
How to Make Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. For easy removal (and clean edges!), line the pan with overlapping strips of parchment paper—leave some overhang so you can lift the bars out later without breaking them.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan—it may seem sticky, but dampening your hands makes this step a breeze. Don’t forget to poke the crust all over with a fork; this helps it bake up crisp and not puffy. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden and set, then give it a few minutes to cool.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Lemon Filling
While the crust cools, whisk together the eggs, sugar, fresh lemon juice, zest, flour, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick. It’s important not to over-beat, just mix until everything is uniform—the goal is a silky, custardy texture.
Step 4: Bake to Lemon Perfection
Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust and pop it back into your oven. Bake for another 20–30 minutes—start checking at 20! The filling should look set in the center (a gentle jiggle is okay, but no wetness). Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then use the parchment to lift out the bars and let them cool completely on a rack.
Step 5: Slice and Dust with Sugar
Once the bars are completely cool, dust the top with a generous coating of powdered sugar. For neat squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. These Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars slice best when fully cooled—so try to resist sampling right away (I know, it’s tough)!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars
- Room Temperature Magic: Make sure both your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature before starting—this ensures the crust is smooth and the filling bakes up evenly without curdling.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor—store-bought juice won’t deliver that bright zing.
- Don’t Rinse Off the Zest: Zest your lemons just before juicing; the essential oils in the skin are what give these bars their intense aroma and flavor.
- Slice When Completely Cool: To get sharp, bakery-worthy squares, wait until the bars are fully cooled and use a damp, clean knife for each cut.
How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Garnishes
A simple, generous dusting of powdered sugar is the classic finish for Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars, but don’t be afraid to play. Thin slices of lemon, curls of zest, or even a tiny sprig of fresh mint can add an elegant (and fresh-smelling) flourish that makes these bars feel extra special for guests and family alike.
Side Dishes
Pairing your lemon bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes the experience to another level. If you’re serving at a brunch or tea, try a platter with berries and fresh fruit—something like raspberries or blueberries truly complements the citrusy tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the bars on a cake stand with lemon slices tucked in between, or serve each bar in a decorative cupcake liner for mess-free snacking at parties or picnics. A drizzle of raspberry coulis or a splash of citrus glaze makes each piece pop—almost too pretty to eat (but only almost)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars store beautifully! Simply transfer cooled bars to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They’re happiest in the fridge, where they’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to five days—if they last that long.
Freezing
Once the bars are completely cooled (and preferably before dusting with sugar), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Pop the wrapped stack in a freezer bag, and your treats will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that bakery-fresh finish.
Reheating
Lemon bars are actually fantastic straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them at room temperature, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. There’s no need to microwave or bake again—just allow them to naturally lose their chill, and they’ll melt in your mouth like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bars might need a little extra baking time (both crust and filling), so check for doneness before pulling them from the oven.
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What’s the best gluten-free flour blend for these bars?
Choose a high-quality, cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder—it keeps the crust tender and prevents crumbling. Brands like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work wonderfully.
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Can I make Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free, plant-based butter. The crust will remain soft and delicious, and the filling stays perfectly tart and creamy!
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Why is my filling not setting properly?
If your bars are too jiggly or wet, they may just need a few more minutes in the oven, or could be the result of under-measured flour or extra large eggs. Always wait until the center is just set before removing from the oven, and let bars cool thoroughly to firm up!
Final Thoughts
These Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars never fail to bring sunshine to my table—there’s something magical about their balance of tang and sweetness, with a tender crust that tastes just as good as the classic. I hope you try them and love them as much as I do. Let these bars brighten someone’s day—maybe even yours!
Print
Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Bars are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The buttery crust pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon filling, creating a dessert that is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated on a Microplane)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
For the Filling
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (grated on a Microplane)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and line with overlapping rectangles of parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Add flour and salt, mix until uniform. Press into baking dish, poke holes, then bake.
- Make the Filling: Beat eggs, sugar, lemon juice, zest, flour, and salt until smooth. Pour over crust and bake until set.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra zest to the filling.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
