Paleo Lovely Lemon Bars

I absolutely love all things lemon! Their citrus bite and beautiful yellow color adds a nice touch to a lot of recipes.

They are also incredibly beneficial for our health.

Lemons can fight infections with their anti-microbial qualities, can help regulate blood pressure and can get rid of toxins in the body. Research has shown that they even have the potential to kill cancer cells. The lemon peel is even more miraculous, containing far more vitamins than the lemon juice itself.

So, why not consume all of these nutrients in the form of a lemon bar! 🙂

Ingredients:

Bottom layer: Nutty base

• 1 cup ground nuts (I used almonds, walnuts and cashews.)
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 tbsp coconut cream
• 2 tbsp sugar-free almond butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Top layer: Fluffy Lemon Curd

• 2 tbsp grated lemon (frozen or fresh)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (squeezed from about 3 lemons)
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp red palm/coconut oil shortening (I use the “Nutiva” brand. You could also use butter.)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp coconut flour
• 2 drops of stevia (for added sweetness if desired)

Recipe:

1. Mix all of your ingredients together for your bottom layer in a large bowl. Make sure the almond butter is evenly distributed. If you need extra moisture, you can always add 1 extra tbsp of coconut cream.
2. Once mixed, press the base layer firmly into a 9 in by 9 in pan. Depending on your desired thickness of your lemon bars, you may not use the entire pan.
3. Put your pan in the oven at 325 degrees F for 8 minutes. The bottom layer must set and become slightly toasted.
4. While your pan is in the oven, make your lemon curd. Mix your grated lemon, lemon juice, coconut sugar, egg and stevia into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together.
5. Simmer your lemon mixture on low, constantly stirring to make sure the egg cooks evenly amongst the lemon. (You don’t want a lemon omelette! 🙂 )
6. Once it starts to form a slightly thicker consistency thanks to the egg, take it off the stove and gently mix in your 1 tbsp coconut flour. This will add thickness to the lemon curd.
7. Add your lemon curd on top of your bottom nutty layer and place back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes. Make sure the lemon top just gets slightly toasted.
8. Cool, cut and serve!

These refined sugar-free, paleo lemon bars are perfect for any occasion! Picnics, BBQs, potlucks…or even breakfast 😉 It’s just another way to get in your healthy nuts, fiber and fruit in, right?

Enjoy!