Lean Lemon Circles (Light & Refreshing)

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Circles or Squares

- Bright, tangy lemon flavor with a gently sweet finish.

- Lighter than traditional lemon bars by using less sugar and a thinner crust.

- Can be cut into circles or squares for a fun, party-ready presentation.

- Easy to bake ahead and chill before serving guests.

Serving Size: 12 pieces

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 45–50 minutes plus cooling

Calories: ~180 per piece (estimate)

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup almond flour

• ¼ cup whole-wheat flour (or oat flour)

• 3 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Lemon Filling

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Topping

• Light dusting of powdered sugar (optional)

• Lemon zest (garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the crust:

   • In a bowl, mix almond flour, whole-wheat flour, melted butter, honey, vanilla, and salt.

   • Press firmly into the bottom of your pan.

   • Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.

3. Make the filling:

   • Whisk eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

4. Pour filling over the slightly cooled crust.

5. Bake another 20–22 minutes, until the center is set.

6. Let cool completely.

7. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

8. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon zest.

Calories

≈ 150 calories each (cut into 16 squares)

Wine Pairing

• Moscato (light, floral, pairs beautifully with citrus)

• Prosecco (crisp bubbles balance the lemon)

Tips, Variations & Storage

- Tip: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor—bottled lemon juice won’t taste as vibrant.

- Variation: For extra tang, add a bit more lemon zest; for a slightly sweeter bar, increase the sweetener in the filling.

- Make it lighter: Keep the crust layer thin and avoid heavy frosting or glazes; a light dusting of powdered sugar is enough.

- Storage: Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually slice and taste better after chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?

Yes. Lemon Circles or Squares are perfect for making a day ahead. Chill them overnight, then cut them into pieces right before serving.

Can I freeze leftover bars?

You can freeze individual pieces tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.