Lemon Bars

HEALTHY spin on the Summer favorite- Lemon Bars!! Shortbread crust and tangy top!

RECIPE:

For the crust:

• 1/4 cup melted and cooled light butter

• ¼ cup sugar free maple syrup

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

• 1 1/2 cups packed flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  

• For the filling:

• Zest from 1 lemon

• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2-4 lemons)

• ½ cup sugar free maple syrup

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon flour

• To garnish:

• Powdered sugar (sifted)

• Lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. (Do not use a glass pan as it will likely cause the bottom of the crust to burn.)

First make the crust: whisk together the flour and salt. Next stir in the butter, maple syrup and almond extract. Mix until a dough forms. Press dough evenly into prepared pan with your hands. Bake for 15 minutes.

While your crust bakes, you can make the filling: in a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, eggs and sifted flour. You want to whisk really well so that no egg white remain visible.

Once crust is done baking, immediately and slowly pour filling over crust. Do not allow the crust to cool first, this is critical.

Lower your oven temperature to 325 degrees F, place bars immediately in oven and bake the bars for 20-25 minutes or until filling is set and no longer jiggles. Cool completely on a wire rack then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up bars. Once ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. I recommend garnishing them with powdered sugar and a little lemon zest before serving. Enjoy!

12 Bars:

2 points each

91 calories

3g fat

13g carbs

4g protein

Original Recipe: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/wprm_print/24060

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/tZ0DWNvUFOg