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To make Greek yogurt lemon bars, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - Zest of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional: Extra powdered sugar for dusting These ingredients come together to create a smooth filling and a crumbly crust. The Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a delightful tang. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few substitutions: - All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber. - Powdered sugar: You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. - Unsalted butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter works well for a dairy-free option. - Greek yogurt: Regular yogurt or dairy-free yogurt can replace Greek yogurt. - Granulated sugar: You can use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. These swaps allow you to customize the bars to fit your diet or preferences. Greek yogurt is a star ingredient in this recipe. It offers many nutritional benefits: - High in protein: Greek yogurt packs more protein than regular yogurt. - Probiotics: It helps with digestion and gut health. - Calcium: It is a good source of calcium for strong bones. - Lower in sugar: Greek yogurt often has less sugar than other creamy options. Using Greek yogurt makes these lemon bars a bit healthier. You can enjoy them without the guilt! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the bars later. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything mixes well. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the texture is crumbly. Now, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. In a large bowl, gather the main star: 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 2 lemons. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract! Whisk this mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes the bars so delicious. Pour the yogurt filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Now, return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set and firm to the touch. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After that, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the bars set perfectly. When ready, cut them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy your Greek yogurt lemon bars! To get a great crust, mix your dry ingredients well. Combine flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Then, add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You want it golden but not too dark. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling. For a creamy filling, use room-temperature Greek yogurt. This helps it mix smoothly with the sugar and eggs. Whisk everything together until it's lump-free. Fresh lemon juice and zest give it a bright flavor. Make sure to pour the filling over the cooled crust. This helps keep the layers clear and neat. Avoid overmixing the filling. If you mix too much, it can become airy and lose that creamy texture. Also, don’t skip the cooling time for the crust. If you add the filling too soon, it might melt into the crust. Lastly, be patient when cooling the bars. Let them chill in the fridge for at least two hours to set properly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. The zest and juice from fresh lemons will elevate the taste of your lemon bars. Chill Before Serving: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling to set properly and makes them easier to cut. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling. Just be mindful that this may affect the texture slightly. Perfectly Cut Squares: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This prevents the filling from sticking to the knife and gives you neat squares. {{image_2}} You can switch up the lemon flavor in your bars. Try using lime or orange for a fun twist. Blood oranges can add a vibrant hue and a sweet taste. You can even mix different citrus fruits for a bright, zesty flavor. If you love berries, add some mashed raspberries or blueberries. They give a nice contrast to the lemon. This makes the bars more colorful and tasty. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum for better texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour. Both will give you a unique flavor and a different texture. Don’t forget to adjust the baking time if needed. Watch for a golden color on the crust. To make these bars dairy-free, use a plant-based yogurt. Look for coconut or almond yogurt for a rich flavor. These options work well to keep the bars creamy. You can also try silken tofu blended until smooth. This gives a nice texture and taste. Just make sure the yogurt is unsweetened to keep the balance right. To keep your Greek yogurt lemon bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between layers. This method helps prevent sticking. Keep the bars in the fridge for up to five days. The coolness will keep them firm and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. These lemon bars taste best cold, but you can reheat them if you prefer. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms them gently without making them soggy. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or chilled from the fridge. Yes, you can use regular yogurt. However, Greek yogurt is thicker. This thickness gives the lemon bars a creamier texture. If you use regular yogurt, the bars may be a bit runny. You might want to strain regular yogurt in cheesecloth for a thicker result. The lemon bars are done when the filling is set. Gently touch the center; it should feel firm, not jiggly. The edges may pull away slightly from the pan. A slight golden color on top also shows they are ready. These lemon bars taste great with fresh fruit. Berries like strawberries or blueberries add a sweet touch. You could also serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well too, making a nice treat. Greek yogurt lemon bars combine bright flavors and healthy ingredients. You learned about key ingredients, plus tasty substitutions and nutritional perks. I shared step-by-step instructions to make your bars easy. Tips helped you avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect texture. Variations allowed room for creativity. Storing tips ensure freshness for longer. These bars are a delicious sweet treat you can feel good about! Try them today, and enjoy every bite.

Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars

Deliciously tangy lemon bars made with Greek yogurt for a creamy filling and a buttery crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Greek
Servings 9
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
  • Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it lightly golden. Remove it and let it cool slightly.
  • In a separate large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the yogurt filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and just firm to the touch.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully.
  • Once set, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Serve on a pretty plate or a rustic wooden board, and garnish with thin lemon slices or a sprig of fresh mint for a fresh touch.
Keyword dessert, Greek yogurt, lemon bars