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Healthy Lemon Bars

Healthy Lemon Bars recipe image
These Healthy Lemon Bars offer a delightful balance of tangy citrus and sweet, chewy texture. The base is a unique shortbread-like crust made with flour, butter, and brown sugar, studded with shredded coconut and plump raisins for added depth. The topping is a rich, custard-like layer infused with fresh lemon juice and optional walnuts, creating a sophisticated yet simple dessert. Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or a light evening treat, these bars provide a refreshing alternative to heavy cakes. They are easy to prepare with pantry staples and deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 12
Calories: 1890.7
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Lemon Bars offer a delightful balance of tangy citrus and sweet, chewy texture. The base is a unique shortbread-like crust made with flour, butter, and brown sugar, studded with shredded coconut and plump raisins for added depth. The topping is a rich, custard-like layer infused with fresh lemon juice and optional walnuts, creating a sophisticated yet simple dessert. Perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or a light evening treat, these bars provide a refreshing alternative to heavy cakes. They are easy to prepare with pantry staples and deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
  • 2 cup Flour
  • 1/2 cup Butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 3 Eggs Well beaten
  • 2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Coconut -- finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 1 cup Walnuts -- optional
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Grated lemon rind
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
  2. 2
    In a medium bowl, mix the flour, softened butter, and 1/4 cup brown sugar until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. 3
    Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  4. 4
    Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it begins to set.
  5. 5
    While the crust bakes, whisk together the 3 beaten eggs, 2 cups brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  6. 6
    Stir in the shredded coconut, raisins, walnuts (if using), lemon juice, and grated lemon rind into the egg mixture.
  7. 7
    Pour the filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
  8. 8
    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and set.
  9. 9
    Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1890.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 85.3g132%
Saturated Fat 28.0g140%
Cholesterol 139.9mg47%
Sodium 2911.0mg122%
Total Carbohydrate 265.9g89%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g50%
Sugars 160.8g
Protein 29.1g59%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For easier slicing, line your pan with parchment paper before pressing in the dough.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist, or omit them entirely for a cleaner citrus flavor.

Keywords: lemon, bars, coconut, raisins, dessert, baking, citrus, shortbread, easy, healthy, snack, potluck, homemade, fruit, tea, simple, classic, refreshing, crowd-pleaser
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/healthy-lemon-bars/