Recipe Rehab: 80 Delicious Recipes That Slash the Fat, Not the Flavor
Lighter Lemon Bars
(Reprinted with Permission from RecipeRehab.com)
Most lemon bars start off with a thick base of buttery shortbread that’s layered with lemon custard made with egg yolks. This lightened-up version has a thin, flaky crust topped with a velvety, airy custard made from whipped egg whites combined with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Moist, zingy, and beautifully garnished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these bright, refreshing bars will make you the belle of the ball at the next neighborhood gathering.
Makes 8 bars
Crust:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons light butter, such as Land O’Lakes, cold and cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
Directions:
To make the crust, preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line an 8-by–8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the excess to hang over the sides. Coat with nonstick spray.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a fork until a course meal forms. Sprinkle with the ice water and mix just until the dough forms a ball. Gather the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
When the dough has chilled, press in an even layer into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, until the crust is firm to the touch.
To make the filling, in a mixing bowl combine the egg whites, egg, lemon juice, and zest. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined. Sprinkle in the sugar and flour. Continue to beat until smooth and thick.
Pour the lemon filling evenly over the hot crust and smooth the surface with a rubber spatula. Bake for 20 minutes, until firm and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 227 calories, 3 g total fat (1 g saturated), 25 mg cholesterol, 174 mg sodium, 4 g protein,
1 g fiber, 47 g carb
Jesselyn A/Jesstinger says
Thank you Thank you Thank you! Both my Honey/Hubby and I have made a commitment to living a healthy life style – starting with Diet & Exercise (or what I like to call Food & Fitness)
Without being fanatical (definitely unhealthy to be rigid: what refuses to bend will break!) we have tried to reduce as much as possible saturated fats and empty calories/carbohydrates)
I’m proud to say we’ve been very good – but just because we’ve made this commitment to healthy living, does NOT mean we have lost our sweet tooths – and next to chocolate our most favorite sweet treat are Lemon Bars…
Sadly most recipes involve tons of Sugar and Fat (not to mention cholesterol!) – I am thrilled to find this recipe and eager to try it. And I do accept your challenge: we’ve got two big (30-45 people) neighborhood potluck supper parties – and we are in charge of bringing a salad or side dish and a DESSERT – and I’m going to make a couple of batches of these yummy sounding Lemon Bars.
I’ll let you know how it goes (reviews!) and take your word that they will be a hit – especially when I tell people they are low-fat AND low-categories (most diet recipes and prepared products are either one or the other or taste like cardboard!) Thanks again.
Nicole says
Good luck, Jesselyn! I hope your low cal/lower fat lemon bars are a hit. (It would be fun if you didn’t tell anyone and see if they notice any difference!). Congrats on your commitment to healthy eating and exercise. Best wishes to you and your hubby.
Jesselyn A/Jesstinger says
Thanks Nicole (and best wishes to you and yours as well!)
That is exactly the plan. I know I won’t need to say anything to encourage people to try them – judging from the photo (and my past experience in serving Lemon Bars) they are sure to go fast (I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t love Lemon Bars? At the Soup Kitchen we volunteer at – the Lemon Bars and chocolately things with chocolate frosting) are the first thing to disappear…)
Anyway, I don’t plan to say anything until people come up to me to sing their praises AND ask for the recipe. In fact – I think I will print out a bunch of copies of the recipe – just to “Be Prepared”! Thanks again, Nicole.
Robin O says
My mother loves lemon bars, but I am always wary of all that butter. I bet she won’t even notice that these are a lighter version if I make them for her. Thanks for sharing!
Debbie Greenfield says
I think I just messed these up. I have trouble with my blood sugar so I thought I would put 1/2 cup sugar and some sugar substitute. It wouldn’t get thick and custardy. So, probably not a good idea to change up someone’s recipe the first time! Ha. It is baking anyway and I’ll see how it comes out.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This is definitely lower in fat and my daughter-in-law loves lemon flavored desserts, but is trying to lose weight. I shallhve to make these for her. Thanks
ANN*H says
They look so light and yummy. I agree with the lady above about them crumbling up too I have had that happen. These would make a great think to go with a tea or coffee brunch with the girls. Thanks for the pictures and recipe
md kennedy says
These look like a perfect items for an afternoon tea tray! Thanks so much!
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
Oh I would love these, I certainly will have to make these soon.
Janet W. says
I love anything with a lemon flavor! These look delicious! And I love that this is lower calorie.
Robin Wilson says
It had me with “light airy custard” ! I love lemon bars, but the only recipe I have is really a pain to make and the crust batter is so thick, that one time it burnt up the motor on my hand mixer! Though delicious I haven’t made it since. I will pass this one on to my son’s girlfriend who bakes for us every weekend! Thanks.