Honey Lemon Bars

Pucker Up! These sweet and tangy Honey Lemon Bars made with fresh lemon, lemon zest, and honey paired with a whole wheat shortbread crust are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or a simple afternoon treat, these bars stand out for their lighter texture and irresistible flavor that balances sweetness with a zesty punch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lighter Option: Enjoy the same great taste of traditional lemon bars but with healthier ingredients.
• Versatile Delight: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying dessert after dinner.
• Simple Preparation: Quick prep time means you can whip these up without hassle.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh lemons and honey, these bars burst with flavor.
• Easy to Serve: The parchment paper sling makes cutting and serving a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Honey Lemon Bars seamlessly, gather your tools ahead of time. This will help streamline the process so you can focus on enjoying your delicious creation!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Metal rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Ensures even mixing of the crust ingredients for consistent texture.
• Baking dish: The right size is crucial for achieving perfect bar thickness.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to remove the bars after baking without sticking.

Ingredients

Pucker Up! These sweet and tangy Honey Lemon Bars made with fresh lemon, lemon zest and honey and a whole wheat shortbread crust are a little lighter than traditional lemon bars, but are so tasty and hard to resist.

For the Crust

• 6 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
• 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into bits and chilled)
• 1 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt

For the Filling

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting on top)

How to Make Honey Lemon Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your crust will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly spray an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish with baking spray.

Step 3: Make the Parchment Sling

Cut two sheets of parchment paper measuring 15 x 15 inches each. Fold them in half to create sturdier sheets.

Step 4: Line the Pan

Line the pan with the two long sheets of parchment paper placed perpendicular to each other. This will allow you to lift out the bars easily later.

Step 5: Spray Parchment

Spray the inside of the parchment with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a food processor, combine the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, baking powder, and kosher salt. Process until well mixed.

Step 7: Add Butter and Yogurt

Add chilled butter bits and Greek yogurt to the mixture at once. Pulse at least a dozen times until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 8: Bake the Crust

Bake for about 30 minutes until evenly browned. Let cool on a metal rack for at least 20 minutes.

Step 9: Adjust Oven Temperature

Once cooled, heat your oven to 325°F.

Step 10: Prepare Filling Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, and lemon zest. Gradually add flour one tablespoon at a time along with kosher salt. Mix well.

Step 11: Combine with Lemon Juice

Stir in fresh lemon juice, then pour this filling over your cooled crust.

Step 12: Bake Until Set

Bake again until filling is set—this takes about 22 to 25 minutes.

Step 13: Cool Completely

Allow cooling completely before lifting out using parchment handles. For best results refrigerate overnight for firmer topping.

Step 14: Cut Bars

Using a clean hot knife (wiped between slices), cut into twelve squares for serving.

Step 15: Garnish Before Serving

Dust each bar lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant touch.

How to Serve Honey Lemon Bars

Serving Honey Lemon Bars is a delightful experience that can elevate any occasion. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for various events and gatherings.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a burst of flavor: Serve your Honey Lemon Bars with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added sweetness and color.

With Whipped Cream

• Creamy contrast: A dollop of whipped cream on top can add a creamy texture that pairs nicely with the tangy lemon flavor.

As a Snack

• Perfect for any time: Enjoy these bars as an afternoon snack or a light dessert after lunch. They are easy to grab and go!

With Tea or Coffee

• Warm beverage pairing: Pair your Honey Lemon Bars with a cup of tea or coffee. The warmth of these beverages complements the cool zestiness of the bars.

For Brunch Buffets

• Brunch favorite: Include them in a brunch spread alongside muffins and fruit platters. Their bright flavor will be a hit among guests.

Drizzled with Extra Honey

• Sweeten it up: For those who love honey, drizzle some extra on top just before serving for an even sweeter treat.

How to Perfect Honey Lemon Bars

Perfecting your Honey Lemon Bars takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled juice.
• Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the bars overnight helps them firm up, making cutting easier and cleaner.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the filling; it should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven.
• Experiment with crusts: Try different crusts, such as almond flour or gluten-free options, to suit dietary preferences.
• Dust just before serving: Sprinkle powdered sugar right before serving to keep it looking fresh and prevent moisture from causing clumping.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lemon Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Honey Lemon Bars can create an even more delightful experience. Here are some great suggestions that complement their tangy sweetness.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides balance and brightness alongside the lemon bars.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layered yogurt with granola and honey offers a creamy texture that contrasts well with the bars.

3. Scones
   Light and fluffy scones can be served warm, adding another sweet option to your dessert table.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of soft cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the bars.

5. Glazed Nuts
   Sweet glazed almonds or pecans offer crunch and additional sweetness that pairs nicely with honey flavors.

6. Tea Sandwiches
   Lightly flavored sandwiches made with cucumber or smoked salmon can add savory balance to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Lemon Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

• Using fresh lemon juice: Always opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Bottled juice often has preservatives that can alter the flavor of your bars.

• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing your bars to cool completely before cutting ensures clean slices and a firmer texture.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use precise measurements for your flour, sugar, and other ingredients to achieve the best results.

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so check for doneness around 22 minutes for the filling.

• Neglecting parchment paper: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper. This makes lifting out the bars easier and prevents them from sticking to the pan.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey Lemon Bars in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Honey Lemon Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Frozen bars can last up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Honey Lemon Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Honey Lemon Bars that might help you during your baking journey.

Can I substitute honey in Honey Lemon Bars?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives if you prefer. However, this may slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I know when my Honey Lemon Bars are done?

The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

What if I want a sweeter version of Honey Lemon Bars?

If you’d like sweeter bars, consider adding an extra tablespoon of honey or using powdered sugar as a topping for added sweetness.

Are Honey Lemon Bars healthy?

These bars are lighter than traditional lemon bars due to whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt, making them a healthier dessert option!

Final Thoughts

Honey Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different zest flavors or even berries for variety. Their sweet and tangy profile makes them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats!