Gluten-Free Lemon Bars Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Are you craving a tangy treat that's also gluten-free? Look no further! This recipe for gluten-free lemon bars delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crumbly crust and a vibrant, lemony filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, even for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ingredients:

This recipe is broken down into two parts: the crust and the lemon filling.

For the Gluten-Free Crust:

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

For the Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:

Making the Gluten-Free Crust:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. Using gluten-free flour ensures the pan is properly prepared for the crust.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Create an even layer to ensure consistent baking.
5. Partial Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. This pre-baking step helps prevent a soggy bottom.

Making the Lemon Filling:

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and gluten-free flour until well combined. Be sure to thoroughly incorporate the flour to prevent lumps.
3. Pour & Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust.
4. Bake Completely: Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
5. Cool Completely: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents crumbling.

Tips for Success:

• Use a Good Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The success of these gluten-free lemon bars hinges on using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients and create a better texture.
• Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly lemon bars. Keep a close eye on them during baking.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will prevent them from crumbling and will ensure a cleaner cut.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:

These gluten-free lemon bars are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of fresh berries.

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