Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, offering a refreshing treat that will leave you wanting more. With a delightful combination of Greek yogurt and zesty lemon, this dessert is sure to brighten up any day. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a light dessert to share, these bars are an easy and satisfying choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are incredibly easy to make and feature a smooth, tangy filling that’s balanced perfectly with the sweetness of brown and cane sugar. The addition of Greek yogurt brings a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the fresh lemon flavor. Plus, the powdered sugar dusting on top makes for a sweet finishing touch that everyone will love. They’re the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with a subtle richness that makes them a stand-out dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 room-temperature eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened yogurt (preferably full-fat)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemon juice
Powdered sugar (for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, mixing them together thoroughly.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the brown sugar and cane sugar to the eggs, mixing until well combined. Stir in the yogurt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Lemon Juice Add the lemon juice to the mixture, stirring well to combine. This will provide a refreshing tang to your bars.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until smooth and lump-free.
Prepare the Baking Dish and Bake Line an 8.5 by 11-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork or toothpick after 20 minutes; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Finishing Touches and Serving Once baked, allow the lemon bars to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and cut into slices. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Variations
Add Fruit: You can add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter for an added fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the batter for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
Yogurt Swap: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, though Greek yogurt creates a creamier texture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: You can enjoy these bars cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of yogurt for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt, though Greek yogurt provides a creamier texture.
2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Eggs are essential for the structure of these bars, so substituting them is not recommended for this recipe.
3. How do I know when the lemon bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean, the bars are done.
4. Can I use a different sweetener for the sugar?
You can try using honey or maple syrup, but it may alter the texture and sweetness slightly.
5. Can I freeze Greek yogurt lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. How can I make my lemon bars more tart?
Add extra lemon juice or zest to the batter for a more intense tart flavor.
7. Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the lemon with other citrus fruits like lime or orange, or even try a berry-flavored variation.
8. What type of flour should I use?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
9. How should I cut the lemon bars after baking?
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into even squares or rectangles, then dust with powdered sugar.
10. Can I make these lemon bars ahead of time?
Yes, these lemon bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are a perfect combination of creamy and tangy, offering a light and refreshing dessert that is both easy to make and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a picnic, or simply enjoying them on a sunny afternoon, they’re sure to be a hit. With just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of lemony zest, they’re a must-try treat for lemon lovers!
Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet, offering a refreshing treat with a zesty lemon flavor and a smooth, creamy texture from Greek yogurt. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 room-temperature eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened yogurt (preferably full-fat)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup lemon juice
Powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour and salt, mixing thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add brown sugar and cane sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in yogurt and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Add the lemon juice to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until smooth and lump-free.
Line an 8.5 by 11-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork or toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and cut into slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store lemon bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
For a more intense tart flavor, add extra lemon juice or zest to the batter.
Try using other fruits like lime or orange for a citrus twist.