Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars

$- 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - Zest of 2 lemons - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Pinch of salt - Powdered sugar (for dusting) The main star of this recipe is Greek yogurt. It makes the bars creamy and tangy. You need granulated sugar to balance the tartness of the lemons. The eggs help bind everything together. Lemon zest brightens the flavor. The juice gives these bars their signature zing. Flour and baking powder add structure. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, powdered sugar is perfect for a sweet dusting on top. - Mixing bowls - Whisk - 8-inch square baking pan - Parchment paper (optional) - Oven thermometer To make these bars, you will need a few tools. Mixing bowls help combine your ingredients smoothly. A whisk ensures everything blends well. An 8-inch square baking pan is ideal for the perfect size. Parchment paper makes removal easy. An oven thermometer can help check your oven's true temperature. This step ensures your bars bake just right. With these ingredients and tools, you will create tasty Greek yogurt lemon bars. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or use parchment paper for easy removal. - In a mixing bowl, whisk 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. - Add 2 large eggs, the zest of 2 lemons, and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the yogurt mix. Beat everything together until well combined. - In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until blended. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this keeps the bars light and fluffy. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges and a clean toothpick when inserted in the center. - Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. - Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps them set nicely. - Carefully transfer the cooled bars to a wire rack to cool completely. - Once they are cool, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Do not overmix your batter. This simple step helps keep your lemon bars light. If you mix too much, your bars may turn out dense. Use a gentle folding motion when adding dry ingredients. You can try alternative binding ingredients like applesauce or mashed banana. These options can add moisture without losing that tasty lemon flavor. Just remember, these may change the taste a bit. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor in your lemon bars. It pairs well with the tartness of lemon. A small amount goes a long way, so start with 1 teaspoon. You can also play with spices. Try adding a pinch of ginger for warmth or a dash of cardamom for a unique twist. These spices can elevate the flavor and make your dessert stand out. Serve your lemon bars chilled for the best experience. Arrange them on a bright plate to make them pop. For garnishing, add thin lemon slices on top. Fresh mint leaves also bring a nice touch of color. Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a lovely finish. {{image_2}} You can make these lemon bars gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or cornstarch. Almond flour gives a nice nutty taste. Cornstarch will keep them light and fluffy. Both options work well in this recipe. Want to make these bars vegan? Use ground flaxseed or applesauce as your egg substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. For yogurt, try coconut or soy yogurt. These will keep the bars creamy and delicious. You can add more flavor to your lemon bars. Try mixing in fruit purees like raspberry or blueberry. A bit of zest from oranges or limes can brighten the taste too. These changes will make your bars unique and fun! Once your lemon bars cool, cover them well. A good option is to use plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. To freeze your lemon bars, first cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place all the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a quick warm-up, use the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. These lemon bars are best enjoyed fresh. They will last about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage like a change in texture or an off smell. If they feel too soft or moist, it’s time to toss them. Always trust your senses to enjoy safe and tasty treats! Yes, you can make these lemon bars ahead of time. They taste great when chilled. Store them in the fridge for up to five days. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want, you can also freeze them. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and then in foil. They should last about three months in the freezer. If you need a substitute for Greek yogurt, there are many options. You can use regular yogurt for a similar taste. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Both give a creamy texture. You can also use sour cream or buttermilk, but expect a slight flavor change. Check your lemon bars by looking for a slight golden edge. They should look set, not jiggly. You can also use a toothpick to check. Insert it in the center; it should come out clean. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice is best. Fresh juice gives a brighter flavor. Bottled juice often has preservatives, which can affect taste. If you use bottled juice, choose one that says "100% juice" for better results. This blog post covers how to make delicious lemon bars. You learned the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed. We also discussed tips for texture, flavor, and presentation, plus variations for gluten-free and vegan options. Lastly, we reviewed the best storage methods for your treats. Enjoy making these bright lemon bars. They are easy to share and sure to impress!$

Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars

Indulge in the tangy goodness of Zesty Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars! These delightful treats combine rich Greek yogurt with refreshing lemon, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. Made with simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and a hit for any occasion. Get the full recipe and surprise your friends and family with these delicious lemon bars. Click through now to explore the recipe and elevate your dessert game!

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Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

Zest of 2 lemons

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the yogurt mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 9

- Presentation Tips: Serve the lemon bars chilled, arranged on a vibrant plate, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color.