Healthy Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars Recipe with Coconut and Walnuts

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of a buttery crust. This recipe for Healthy Lemon Bars puts a nutritious twist on the traditional treat, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any time.

History

The origins of lemon bars are a bit murky, but they are believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The combination of tangy lemon filling and a buttery crust quickly became a popular dessert choice for many households.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
0.5 cup butter or margarine
0.25 cup brown sugar
3 eggs, well beaten
2 cups brown sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup finely shredded coconut
0.5 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts (optional)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon rind

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Thoroughly mix together the flour, butter, and 0.25 cup of sugar.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lightly greased oblong pan measuring 13"x 9.5".
Bake for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and salt.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and spread the mixture over the partially baked bottom layer.
Bake for about 25 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.

Variations

Swap out the walnuts for almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam between the crust and lemon filling for a fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly mix the crust ingredients to ensure a firm and even base for the lemon filling.

- Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Healthy Lemon Bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven to ensure even baking.

- Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the bars - it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut oil or ghee in place of margarine for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Healthy Lemon Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Cut Healthy Lemon Bars into squares and arrange on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Healthy Lemon Bars with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Healthy Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Healthy Lemon Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Healthy Lemon Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Healthy Lemon Bars contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Healthy Lemon Bars contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Healthy Lemon Bars are a good source of vitamin C from the lemon juice and zest.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and nuts, and may contain traces of dairy from the butter.

Summary

Healthy Lemon Bars are a delicious and nutritious dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Healthy Lemon Bars are a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and tangy lemon filling, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Healthy Lemon Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Martha was known for her incredible baking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her new creations.

On that particular day, Martha greeted me with a warm hug and a twinkle in her eye. "I have something special for you to try today," she said, leading me into her sunny kitchen. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Martha began gathering ingredients from her well-stocked pantry.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of lemon bars that looked absolutely divine. The aroma of fresh lemons filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation. Martha explained that she had recently discovered a healthier version of the classic lemon bar recipe, using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and honey instead of the usual butter and sugar.

As I took my first bite of the tangy, sweet treat, I was blown away by the delicious flavor and texture. The crust was perfectly crisp and buttery, while the lemon filling was silky smooth and bursting with citrusy goodness. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these Healthy Lemon Bars for myself.

Martha generously shared her recipe with me, along with some helpful tips and tricks for perfecting the dish. She explained that the key to a successful lemon bar is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking your time to bake it to perfection. I took careful notes and made a mental note to give it a try at home.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with the recipe, making adjustments here and there to suit my own taste preferences. I found that adding a touch of grated lemon zest to the crust gave it an extra burst of citrus flavor, while a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top added a lovely crunch.

As I baked batch after batch of Healthy Lemon Bars, I couldn't help but think back to that day at Martha's cottage and the joy of discovering a new favorite recipe. I shared the bars with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious and guilt-free they were. It brought me immense pleasure to see their faces light up with delight as they savored each bite.

As the years went by, I continued to make Martha's Healthy Lemon Bars whenever I needed a pick-me-up or wanted to impress guests at a gathering. The recipe became a staple in my repertoire, cherished for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Looking back on that fateful day at Martha's cottage, I am grateful for her friendship and culinary wisdom. She opened my eyes to the possibility of creating healthier versions of classic recipes, inspiring me to think outside the box and experiment with new flavors and techniques.

I have since passed down Martha's recipe for Healthy Lemon Bars to my own children and grandchildren, who now carry on the tradition of baking them for special occasions and everyday indulgences. It warms my heart to know that a simple recipe can bring so much joy and connection to those we love.

So whenever I whip up a batch of Healthy Lemon Bars in my kitchen, I am transported back to that sunny day at Martha's cottage, surrounded by laughter, good food, and the sweet taste of friendship. And for that, I am forever grateful.