Introduction
Lemon bars are a classic dessert that combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors with a buttery crust. However, traditional lemon bars are often high in sugar, butter, and refined flour, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those following a clean eating lifestyle. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, these low-calorie lemon bars are the perfect solution.
Packed with zesty lemon flavor, made with nutritious ingredients, and coming in at under 100 calories per serving, these bars are a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic treat. Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie baked dessert, low-fat desserts 100 calories or less, or low-sugar lemon bars, this recipe has you covered. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prepping!
Why Choose Low-Calorie Lemon Bars?
There are several reasons why you should opt for these calorie-friendly desserts:
- Low in Calories – Unlike traditional lemon bars that can contain over 200 calories per piece, these bars are under 100 calories each, making them a great option for those watching their intake.
- Low in Sugar – Made with natural sweeteners, these low-sugar lemon bars contain much less sugar than their traditional counterparts.
- Clean Ingredients – These bars use wholesome ingredients like almond flour, Greek yogurt, and honey to keep them clean eating-friendly.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these low-calorie baked desserts in no time.
Ingredients for Low-Calorie Lemon Bars
To keep these bars both healthy and delicious, we will use a few substitutions to reduce calories and sugar while maintaining great taste.
For the Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour (or oat flour for a nut-free option)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or unsweetened applesauce for a lower fat option)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Lemon Filling:
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg white
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp honey or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess while keeping it low fat)
For Topping (Optional):
- A light dusting of powdered monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted coconut oil (or applesauce), honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, egg white, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey (or coconut sugar).
- Add in the Greek yogurt and cornstarch, whisking until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to fully set.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan and cut into 12 small squares.
- Lightly dust with powdered monk fruit sweetener if desired.
- Enjoy your low-calorie lemon bars guilt-free!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Bar)
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
Health Benefits of These Low-Calorie Lemon Bars
Not only are these low-fat desserts under 100 calories, but they also offer some fantastic health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin C – Thanks to fresh lemon juice, these bars help boost your immune system.
- Low in Sugar – Using natural sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar reduces blood sugar spikes.
- High in Protein – The Greek yogurt and eggs add a protein boost, keeping you fuller for longer.
- Gluten-Free Option – By using almond or oat flour, these bars are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Variations and Customizations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ways to customize your low-calorie lemon bars:
- Low-Calorie Lemon Loaf – Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes for a delicious low-calorie lemon loaf.
- Low-Calorie Lemon Cookies – Form the dough into cookie shapes and bake for 12-15 minutes for soft, chewy low-calorie lemon cookies.
- Keto-Friendly Option – Swap the honey for a keto sweetener like erythritol and use almond flour to keep carbs even lower.
Serving Suggestions
These low-calorie baked desserts pair perfectly with:
- A cup of green tea for an antioxidant boost.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Fresh berries for natural sweetness.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store extras in the freezer for a quick and easy low-calorie dessert anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you love lemony treats but want to stay on track with your clean eating goals, these low-calorie lemon bars are a must-try. They are low in sugar, low in fat, and under 100 calories per serving, making them the perfect calorie-friendly dessert for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for low-calorie lemon loaf, low-calorie lemon cookies, or low-sugar lemon bars, this recipe is versatile, simple, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy a slice of citrus heaven while keeping your diet in check!
