Are you ready to indulge in a guilt-free dessert that tantalizes your taste buds while keeping your health goals intact? Look no further than these delightful Strawberry Lemon Bars, crafted specifically for those following a Paleo and vegan lifestyle! With a zesty lemon filling nestled atop a crumbly almond flour crust, these bars are not only easy to make but also bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, you'll want to keep this recipe close at hand. Trust us; one bite of these luscious bars will have you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth, compact base.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together remaining maple syrup, lemon juice, coconut sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the lemon mixture.
- Pour the strawberry-lemon filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow bars to firm up completely.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and slice into 12 even squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The brightness of fresh ingredients will elevate your bars to a whole new level!
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps them firm up nicely, making them easier to cut and enhancing their texture.
- Parchment Paper Overhang: When lining your baking pan, leave some parchment paper hanging over the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out after they’ve cooled, ensuring you get perfect squares every time.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or coconut sugar. Taste the lemon mixture before pouring it over the crust to achieve your ideal level of sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add a hint of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture and flavor. You could even swap out strawberries for another berry or fruit of your choice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
