Healthy Lemon Bars – A Light & Zesty Naturally Sweetened Dessert

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Healthy lemon bars with golden crust and fresh lemon filling

Dessert

Image: Fito Recipes

4.9 from 8 votes
82 / 100

There’s something timeless and uplifting about the flavor of lemon. Growing up, lemon squares were a staple at weekend brunches and spring parties, but they were always loaded with sugar and butter. So when I set out to create a cleaner version, these Healthy Lemon Bars were born—soft, tangy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, but made with natural sweeteners, almond flour, and a whole lot of love.

These low-sugar lemon bars are perfect for those who want a sweet treat without the sugar crash. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, meal prepping snacks, or hosting a gathering, these naturally sweetened lemon squares will become your go-to spring and summer dessert. And did I mention they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and incredibly easy to make?

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Lemon Bars

Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar! Just honey (or maple syrup) and coconut sugar
Gluten-Free & Grain-Free – Made with almond flour for a soft, nutrient-dense base
Quick to Make – From prep to plate in under 30 minutes
Refreshing Flavor – Bursting with bright lemon juice and zest
Perfect for Any Occasion – Think brunch, baby showers, Easter, or just an easy lemon dessert midweek

Looking for a hearty dinner before dessert? You might enjoy our Easy French Onion Meatloaf or this cozy Cheeseburger Casserole—perfect comfort food combos to balance the brightness of these lemon bars.

Ingredients – Healthy Lemon Bars

For the Almond Flour Crust
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling
2 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup coconut sugar or natural sweetener of choice

Healthy Lemon Bars

How to Make Healthy Lemon Bars

If you’ve been wondering how to make healthy lemon bars, this recipe is incredibly simple!

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the dish to form a firm base.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and coconut sugar until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the lemon filling over the crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps the bars firm up for perfect, clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions

These easy lemon dessert bars are best served cold. Slice into squares and sprinkle a little lemon zest or powdered monk fruit for a finishing touch. Serve with:

A cup of herbal tea or coffee
Fresh berries on the side
A dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein
Or follow it up with a cozy bite like these Air Fryer Beef Chops or an Easy Skillet Lasagna for a complete meal flow

Storage – Healthy Lemon Bars

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight

Tips for the Best Naturally Sweetened Lemon Bars

Use fresh lemon juice—it makes all the difference in flavor
Add extra lemon zest if you love a bold citrus flavor
Use parchment paper so bars lift out easily after chilling
Let them fully chill before slicing to avoid crumbly edges

Variations – Healthy Lemon Bars

Easy Almond Flour Lemon Bars with Lime – Swap lemon juice for lime juice and zest
Add Fresh Berries – Sprinkle a few raspberries or blueberries over the crust before adding the filling
Vegan Option – Use a flax egg and maple syrup to make them egg-free and plant-based

FAQs – Healthy Lemon Bars

How do I make easy almond flour lemon bars?

Simply mix almond flour, coconut oil, and honey for the crust, then pour over a fresh lemon-egg filling and bake. It’s fast, fresh, and foolproof.

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, but it will no longer be naturally sweetened. Coconut sugar has a caramel flavor and lower glycemic impact.

What makes these lemon bars healthy?

They’re sweetened with natural ingredients, made gluten-free with almond flour, and lower in sugar than traditional lemon squares.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.

Can I make these into lemon bites instead of bars?

Yes—bake in mini muffin tins and reduce bake time by 5–7 minutes

For Dessert Lovers…

If you’re into sweet treats that are secretly wholesome, don’t miss our Homemade Brownie Baked Oatmeal or the wildly popular Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. Both are perfect follow-ups to your lemony moment.

Healthy Lemon Bars – A Light & Zesty Naturally Sweetened Dessert

Recipe by Chef Walter
4.9 from 8 votes
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

9

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

180

kcal

These Healthy Lemon Bars are made with almond flour, natural sweeteners, and fresh lemon juice for a light, zesty dessert that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for spring and summer!

Ingredients

  • For the Almond Flour Crust:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • For the Lemon Filling:

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or sweetener of choice

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and salt. Mix until crumbly.
  • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish and smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and coconut sugar until fully combined.
  • Pour the lemon filling over the crust and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars for best texture and clean cuts.

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