The first time I made these…

I was deep in that post-lunch slump — you know, the kind where you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to undo all the good choices you’ve made all week.
I remembered the lemon bars my grandma used to make — so buttery and sweet, with that perfect zing of lemon.

So I challenged myself to make a version that felt just as indulgent, but lighter, cleaner, and made with real ingredients.

These bars are the zesty little treat I reach for on hot afternoons or when friends stop by. They’re tart, creamy, lightly sweet, and honestly — they taste like sunshine. ☀️🍋

🍋 Healthy Lemon Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Chill Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Serves: 12

Ingredients

For the shortbread crust:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour

• ¼ cup coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the lemon filling:

• 3 large eggs

• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. 🥣 Make the crust: Mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Press evenly into the pan.

3. ⏲️ Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.

4. 🍋 Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk eggs, honey, lemon juice, zest, and arrowroot until smooth.

5. 🧁 Pour filling over the warm crust.

6. 🔄 Bake again for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set.

7. ❄️ Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

8. ✨ Dust with powdered monk fruit (optional) and slice into bars.

🍽️ Nutrition (per bar)

Estimated – based on 12 servings.

• Calories: 165

• Protein: 4g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

• Fat: 13g

💡 Sarah’s Tips

• Want it extra tart? Add more lemon zest — I always do!

• Make ahead: These store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• No almond flour? Try oat flour instead, but the texture will be softer.

• Dairy-free? Stick with coconut oil for a plant-based crust.

The Bottom Line

These Healthy Lemon Bars bring that nostalgic, old-school lemon bar flavor — but made with better ingredients that actually leave you feeling good. They’re zesty, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth refreshing — just what a healthy summer dessert should be. 🍋✨