Creamy Lemon Squares

The Creamy Lemon Squares feature a smooth, velvety lemon filling over a delicate, buttery crust with bright citrus notes. We prepare these refreshing lemon bars with whole-wheat flour, eggs, maple syrup, olive oil, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of turmeric. These lemon squares have about 160 calories and 20 g of net carbs. The Creamy Lemon Squares are perfect for afternoon tea, spring and summer gatherings, mid-day snacks, and healthier dessert options. You can serve these lemon squares with fresh mint, fresh raspberries, Greek yogurt, or a cup of green tea.

STATS:

• Course: Dessert, Snack

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Diet: Anti-Inflammatory

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cuisine: American

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Portion Size: 1 square

• Cooking Mode: Baking

• Total Servings: 12

• Difficulty: Easy

• Total Time: 45 minutes

TOOLS:

• Vessel

• Whisk

• Pan

• Baking paper

• Spatula

• Cooling rack

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour

• 3 tbsp. maple syrup

• 3 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp. salt

Filling:

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp. lemon zest

• 2 eggs

• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 tbsp. whole-wheat flour

• ⅛ tsp. turmeric

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

FRESH LEMON JUICE & ZEST: Use real squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest to provide a bright citrus flavor. As another option, use bottled organic lemon juice.

WHOLE-WHEAT FLOUR: To add fiber and structure to the crust and filling, utilize whole-wheat flour. As a substitute, use white whole-wheat flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour.

MAPLE SYRUP: Use maple syrup to provide natural sweetness without refined sugar. As another choice, use honey.

OLIVE OIL: Use olive oil to provide a tender texture in the base. As a substitute, use melted coconut oil or avocado oil.

GREEK YOGURT: Use Greek yogurt to create a creamy texture while keeping the dessert light. As another option, use unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.

TURMERIC: Use a tiny pinch of turmeric for natural golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits. The amount can be changed without altering the taste.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. We warm the oven to 175° Celcius and coat a pan with baking paper.

2. Whisk the whole-wheat flour, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla extract, and salt in a vessel till a soft dough forms.

3. Press the dough uniformly into the bottom of the pan and bake for ten minutes.

4. Whisk the eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, whole-wheat flour, and turmeric in a different dish till completely smooth.

5. Carefully pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust and distribute evenly.

6. Bake for approximately fifteen minutes till the center is just set.

7. Cool the lemon squares for thirty minutes and then put them in the fridge to set completely.

8. Make twelve squares by slicing and then serve.

TIPS:

• Avoid baking the lemon squares for an extra time to maintain the creamy texture.

• Fully cool in the fridge before making slices.

• Dust with a tiny sprinkle of powdered erythritol or top with lemon zest for extra visual presentation.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

BREAKFAST & SNACKS:

• Fresh Mint Leaves

• Fresh Raspberries or Blueberries

• Greek Yogurt

• Sliced Strawberries

BEVERAGES:

• Green Tea

• Chamomile Tea

• Iced Lemon Herbal Tea

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE: Put the lemon squares in a closed box and refrigerate for nearly 5 days.

FREEZER: Wrap the individual squares and store them for approximately 2 months.

FAQs:

Will we prepare these lemon squares without gluten? Yes, you can swap out whole-wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

May we prepare these lemon squares dairy-free? Yes, you can use unsweetened non-dairy yogurt as another choice for Greek yogurt.

Could we include extra lemon flavor? Yes, you can increase the lemon zest by an extra teaspoon for a sharper taste.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

• Calories: 160 kcal

• Total Carbs: 23 g

• Net Carbs: 20 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Fats: 6 g

• Proteins: 4 g

• Sodium: 110 mg