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Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with Perfect Shortbread Crust

Close-up of stacked Gluten-Free Lemon Bars with shortbread crust, dusted generously with powdered sugar.
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Follow this recipe to make tart, zesty lemon bars set atop a rich, buttery gluten-free shortbread crust. This recipe focuses on achieving a firm, non-crumbly base.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until creamy. Mix in the 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend, and baking powder until smooth.
  5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest until fully combined.
  6. Pour the lemon filling mixture carefully over the hot, pre-baked crust.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set and no longer liquid in the center.
  8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  9. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully firm.
  10. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Dust generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use a gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum for the best crust texture.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, use the zest of 2 extra lemons.
  • Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing to prevent the filling from running.
  • If you prefer a less tart filling, slightly reduce the lemon juice amount to 1/2 cup.

Nutrition

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