Low Calorie Lemon Bars
As an experienced chef and dedicated food blogger, I'm excited to unveil one of my favorite recipes: Low Calorie Lemon Bars. If you're a fan of bright and tangy flavors, you're in for a treat! These luscious bars strike the perfect balance between zingy lemon and a guilt-free indulgence. Let's dive into the world of citrusy bliss together.
Equipment
- oven
- 1 8 inch square baking pan
- 1 wire rack
Ingredients
- ¼ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- additional confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray the bottom of an 8 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Beat the 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar and butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the 1/2 cup of pastry flour and mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake until just golden brown (about 10 to 12 minutes). Cool on a wire rack and lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees.
- While the oven temperature reduces, whisk the eggs on medium speed until foamy. Add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour, baking powder and salt and whisk until combined.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust and return to the oven until “set” (about 20 to 25 minutes – do not touch the filling with your fingers or it will stick to them and you will have a big dent in your bars!) Cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into 12 squares and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Video
Notes
To achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy lemon filling, make sure to strain the mixture before pouring it over the crust. This step helps remove any lumps or bits of zest, resulting in a silky texture.