Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - Zest of 2 lemons - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons) - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Extra powdered sugar for dusting When I make Greek yogurt lemon bars, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. Each item plays an important role in the dish. The all-purpose flour forms the base, giving the bars their structure. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the unsalted butter brings richness. Using plain Greek yogurt is key. It gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor. The granulated sugar balances the tartness of the lemon. The eggs help bind everything together. Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice shine in this recipe. They provide that bright, zesty flavor we love. Don’t forget the baking powder. It helps the filling rise slightly, making it light. The salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, I like to sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top before serving. It adds a lovely finish and a sweet touch. These ingredients combine to create a delicious treat. Each bite is a tangy and refreshing delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This helps your bars bake evenly. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the crust. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 3 large eggs. Add the zest of 2 lemons and 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour the yogurt mixture over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly across the top. Bake the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden, and the center can have a slight jiggle. This is fine! Once done, remove the dish and let it cool at room temperature. After that, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set. Before serving, dust the top with extra powdered sugar for a nice finish. Cut them into squares and enjoy! To make a great crust, use cold butter. Cold butter helps create a flaky texture. Mix the flour and powdered sugar first. This helps to blend them well. Cut the butter into small pieces. Then, use a fork or pastry cutter to mix. Aim for a crumbly texture. Press it down firmly in the dish. Bake until it's lightly golden. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Let it cool before adding the filling. Start with room temperature eggs for a smooth mix. Whisk the Greek yogurt well before adding other ingredients. This ensures a creamy filling. Add the lemon zest and juice for bright flavor. Make sure to mix until everything is smooth. Pour the filling over the cooled crust evenly. Bake until the edges are golden. A little jiggle in the center is fine. It will set as it cools. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Chill them in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps the bars set nicely. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Serve the squares on a decorative plate. Add lemon slices or zest for color. This makes them look extra special. Enjoy the tangy and refreshing delight of Greek yogurt lemon bars! Pro Tips Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for both zest and juice. The vibrant taste of fresh citrus will elevate your lemon bars. Let Them Chill: Allowing the lemon bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after baking is crucial. This helps the filling set properly and enhances the texture. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the granulated sugar in the filling. The tartness of the lemon will still shine through. Perfect Cutting: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between each slice. This prevents the filling from sticking to the knife. {{image_2}} You can make Greek yogurt lemon bars gluten-free. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Adjust the amount as these flours absorb moisture differently. Almond flour gives a nutty taste, while coconut flour adds a hint of sweetness. Choose the one you like best. Want to jazz up your lemon bars? Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. They pair well with the tart lemon flavor. You can also mix in herbs like fresh mint or thyme for a surprise twist. These add-ins make each bite more exciting. If you prefer less sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. Both add a unique flavor while keeping it sweet. You can also use stevia or monk fruit for a no-calorie option. Adjust the quantity based on your taste. These swaps make the bars healthier without losing the deliciousness. To store your Greek yogurt lemon bars, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for about five days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to serve them later, make sure to cover them well. You can also place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you want to save your lemon bars for later, freezing works great. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. They will taste just as good! To keep your lemon bars fresh, avoid exposing them to air. Use a tight-sealing container. If you add powdered sugar on top, do it right before serving. This keeps the sugar from getting soggy. Also, try to store them away from strong-smelling foods. This way, they stay flavorful and bright! Yes, you can use flavored Greek yogurt. It will change the taste of your lemon bars. If you choose strawberry or vanilla, the bars will have a sweet twist. I recommend sticking to plain yogurt for the best lemon flavor. It keeps the bars light and tangy. Check the edges of the bars. They should be golden brown. The center can still jiggle slightly. It will firm up as the bars cool. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. This means your filling is set and ready. These lemon bars pair well with fresh fruit. Berries like strawberries or raspberries add color and taste. You can also serve them with whipped cream for a creamy touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a great dessert too. They last about five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, think about freezing. They can stay frozen for up to three months. You now know how to make delicious Greek yogurt lemon bars. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for the perfect treat. I shared variations to suit your taste and smart ways to store them. Remember, fresh lemon juice and zest are vital for flavor. Enjoy making these lemon bars for yourself or to share with friends. They are refreshing and delightful any time.$

Deliciously tangy lemon bars made with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine Greek

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup powdered sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 pieces zest of lemons
0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
to taste cup extra powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly 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 lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Pour the yogurt mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
Bake in the oven again for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden. A slight jiggle in the center is okay as it will firm up upon cooling.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set further.
Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finish and cut into squares.

Notes

Serve chilled squares on a decorative plate, garnished with thin lemon slices or zest to enhance the citrus flair.

Keyword dessert, Greek yogurt, lemon bars