Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars Recipe

If you adore bakery-style lemon bars but need a gluten-free treat in your life, you’re about to fall in love! These Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars deliver that tangy, sunshiny lemon filling with a dreamy buttery shortbread crust—completely wheat-free, but absolutely irresistible. They’re tart, sweet, delightfully chewy, and so simple to make, you’ll find any excuse to whip up a pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be surprised—every single ingredient in these bars has its moment to shine! From the zesty lemons to the rich butter and simple gluten-free flour, everything works together to give you the lemoniest bars with a shortbread base so good, you’ll want to make it for every dessert.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the foundation for the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Provides subtle sweetness in both the crust and the filling, balancing that delicious tartness.
• Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon zest adds intense citrus aroma and depth to both the crust and custardy filling.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash in the crust takes the buttery flavor to the next level.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: This keeps everything celiac-safe, but you’ll never miss the wheat. Use your favorite blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
• Salt: A tiny pinch sharpens every flavor and keeps the bars from tasting flat.
• Eggs: Room-temperature eggs give the filling that luscious, creamy, almost cheesecake-like texture.
• Lemon juice: Must be freshly squeezed! Bottled juice just won’t have the same sun-kissed zing.
• Powdered sugar (for garnish): Adds that picture-perfect finish after the bars are cooled—don’t skip it!

Variations

The basic recipe for Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars is the perfect launchpad for creativity in your kitchen! Whether you want to tweak the flavors, adjust for dietary needs, or make them extra-special for a celebration, there are so many easy ways to put your own spin on these sunny treats.

• Make Them Dairy Free: Substitute plant-based butter to keep the crust rich and flaky, completely dairy-free and still delicious.
• Add a Berry Swirl: Drop small spoonfuls of raspberry or blueberry puree on top of the filling and swirl with a toothpick for a fruity pop of color and flavor.
• Coconut Crust: Swap ¼ cup of the flour in the crust for shredded unsweetened coconut for subtle tropical flair.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use your favorite 1:1 sugar substitute for baking in both the crust and filling to make these bars lower in sugar.

How to Make Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab an 8×8-inch baking dish. Grease the dish, then line it with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal later. This simple prep step will make it a breeze to lift out those bars for perfect, bakery-worthy slices every time.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this is what gives your crust that light and delicate bite. Add in the gluten-free flour and salt, mixing until fully combined and the dough holds together.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Transfer your dough into the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom using your hands (wetting them lightly helps prevent sticking!). Dock the dough all over with a fork—these tiny holes keep the crust nice and flat as it bakes. Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, until it’s golden and the center is set. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before adding the filling; this keeps the layers distinct and crisp.

Step 4: Mix the Lemon Filling

While the crust cools slightly, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, gluten-free flour, and salt in a medium bowl until silky and uniform. The mixture will look a little foamy and should smell gloriously citrusy—that’s how you know you’re doing it right!

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the lemon filling over the semi-cooled crust, making sure it’s spread evenly to every edge. Bake for another 20–30 minutes; you’ll know they’re ready when the center is set and just a little wobbly. Don’t worry—they’ll firm up perfectly as they chill on the counter.

Step 6: Cool, Dust, and Slice

Let your lemon bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then gently lift them out using the parchment overhang. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack (this is the hardest part—waiting!). Once cool, shower them generously with powdered sugar, then cut into neat 2-inch squares and serve. Voila—your Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars are ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Garnishes

A generous dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but a few ribbons of lemon zest or even edible flowers can add a gorgeous extra pop to your Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars. For extra zing, try topping with a few fresh raspberries or thin lemon slices—your platter will look like it came straight out of a café window!

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a hot mug of tea, a simple fruit salad, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an afternoon party, they’re lovely next to berry dishes or a refreshing minty iced green tea—nothing too sweet or overwhelming is needed, since the bars are the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack bars on a tiered dessert tray for brunch, or use mini cupcake liners to create grab-and-go lemon bar “bites” at a shower or picnic. For a show-stopping finish, drizzle a thin ribbon of white chocolate over the bars just before serving, or nestle the bars among fresh edible petals for a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and that isn’t always the case), store your Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fabulously fresh for up to 5 days, so you can keep treating yourself all week long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these lemon bars! Wrap them tightly and layer with parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—the texture stays divine, and the flavors remain bright.

Reheating

No reheating required—Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If they’ve been in the fridge for a while, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes for that perfect creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring a little zest and sunshine to your kitchen with these Easy Gluten Free Lemon Bars! Whether you’re gluten free or just craving a slice of bright lemon joy, these bars are proof that the best treats are simple and made to share. Happy baking, my friend!

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