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Betsylife » Recipes » Desserts » Light Lemon Bars

Light Lemon Bars

April 21, 2020 By betsy 3 Comments

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Light lemon bars are a refreshing spring dessert. Less butter, less sugar, and use of egg whites makes this recipe a bit lighter than the classic version. 
Lemon bars topped with powdered sugar and lemon slices

**This post was updated in 2020**

I made these lemon bars for my friend Jen’s birthday a while back.

What better gift to give someone for their birthday than a guilt free treat? This particular lemon bar recipe is lightened up a bit, and perfect for those like my friend Jen who can’t stop at just one! 

Bowl of meal-like dough in a bowl before baking Lemon desserts are big in my house now that I live in a house with a lemon tree. I used to have to ask kind neighbors for lemons but now I’m the one doing the peddling. 

I never understood when I used to see trees full of fruit. Why don’t those people use their lemons?!?

Well now I get it. There are just TOO MANY to use. Even for us, and our tree is small.

Lemon filling being poured on top of shortcake crust I’ve started shipping lemons to friends and leaving a big box out front that says “FREE”….and that’s AFTER I make about 2 dozen different types of lemon desserts. 

I’m not complaining. I am very grateful, I just now have a bit more sympathy for those with fruit trees.

Light Lemon Bars

Less butter, less flour and egg whites make these lemon bars a bit healthier than your average recipe. They definitely do not lack in flavor though! 

Stack of lemon bars

What are some of your favorite lemon desserts? If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the links below. 

Best lemon dessert recipes

  • Olive oil lemon cookies
  • 7up lemon cake 
  • White chocolate lemon truffles

Lemon bars dusted with powered sugar in a circular pattern

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see it! Tag me @betsylife on Facebook or Instagram and I’ll share your creations!

5 from 2 votes
Print

Light Lemon Bars

Light lemon bars are a refreshing spring dessert. Less butter, less sugar, and use of egg whites makes this recipe a bit lighter than the classic version. 

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword lemon bar, lemon dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 165 kcal
Author betsy

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts toasted and finely ground
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Cooking spray
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° Spray an 8X8 glass baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. In a medium bowl combine flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, ground pine nuts, and salt. Add butter and canola oil. Mix gently using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.

  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Reduce oven temperature to 325°.

  4. Combine granulated sugar and next 5 ingredients (through egg white) in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour mixture over crust.

  5. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes or until set. Remove from oven, and cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

  6. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle squares evenly with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts
Light Lemon Bars
Amount Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories 165 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 32mg11%
Sodium 40mg2%
Potassium 48mg1%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 98IU2%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 5mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 
 
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Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes

Comments

  1. Charlene says

    August 20, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Could you tell me what the Pine Nuts are for? I’m allergic to to Pine anything.

    Reply
    • betsy says

      August 21, 2012 at 12:41 am

      I think the oils in the nuts compensate for the lack of butter. Pine nuts are very mild (do not taste like pine) so you couldn’t taste them at all, although I’m sure you could substitute almonds, but you would be able to taste them for sure

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    August 21, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I felt way less guilty eating these on my birthday (and the leftovers later that weekend.) Thanks Betsy!

    Reply

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