Zesty Sugar-Free Lemon Delight Bars
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of these Zesty Sugar-Free Lemon Delight Bars! Perfectly tangy and refreshingly sweet without the added sugar, these bars use a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemon filling that will leave your taste buds dancing. Made with wholesome ingredients like Splenda and reduced-calorie margarine, they’re an ideal guilt-free treat for a sunny afternoon or a special gathering. Share with friends and family, and enjoy the delightful citrus goodness that everyone will love!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (purchased or homemade)
Graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Splenda sugar substitute
1 1/4 cups (divided)
Reduced-calorie margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
Eggs
2 (or 1/2 cup egg substitute)
Nonfat sour cream
2 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup
All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon
Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray an 11 x 7-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of Splenda, and melted margarine. Mix until the texture is crumbly.
4
Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the crust.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5 minutes and then remove it from the oven.
6
While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy. This step is crucial when using Splenda to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
7
Stir in the nonfat sour cream and fresh lemon juice to the beaten eggs.
8
Add the remaining 1 cup of Splenda, flour, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir and mix well until fully combined.
9
Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust evenly.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
11
Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs on top. Lightly spray the crumbs with butter-flavored cooking spray.
12
Continue baking for an additional 8 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.
13
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sugar-Free Lemon Delight Bars?
They are tangy, refreshingly sweet dessert bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious lemon filling, made without added sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan should I use for baking?
You should use an 11 x 7-inch baking pan.
What ingredients are used for the crust?
The crust consists of 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of Splenda, and melted reduced-calorie margarine.
How long do I bake the crust initially?
The crust should be baked for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of egg substitute instead of 2 eggs.
Why should I beat the eggs until they are frothy?
Beating the eggs until frothy is crucial when using Splenda to ensure the bars have a light and fluffy texture.
What type of sour cream is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of nonfat sour cream.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
What is the total amount of Splenda needed?
A total of 1 1/4 cups of Splenda sugar substitute is used, divided between the crust and the filling.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
How much baking powder is included?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
What is the first step of the filling preparation?
While the crust is baking, beat the eggs until frothy, then stir in the nonfat sour cream and fresh lemon juice.
How long is the filling baked before adding the topping?
After pouring the filling over the crust, bake it for 10 minutes.
What is the topping for these lemon bars?
The topping consists of 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs lightly sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray.
How long do the bars bake after the topping is added?
The bars bake for an additional 8 minutes after adding the topping, or until the top is set and golden.
What is the cooling process?
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Are these bars suitable for a low-sugar diet?
Yes, they are sugar-free and specifically designed as a healthy, guilt-free treat.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They feature a crumbly, buttery crust with a light, fluffy, and luscious lemon filling.
How do I prepare the pan?
Lightly spray the 11 x 7-inch baking pan with cooking spray before starting.
Can I use homemade graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, you can use either purchased or homemade graham cracker crumbs.
Is the margarine melted or solid?
The reduced-calorie margarine should be melted before mixing into the crust.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include sugar-free, lemon bars, desserts, low-calorie, healthy treats, citrus, easy dessert recipes, and bar cookies.
How should the crumb mixture be placed in the pan?
Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the crust.
What gives the bars their citrus flavor?
The flavor comes from fresh lemon juice and its vibrant, zesty profile.
Is this recipe easy to share?
Yes, it is designed for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or sunny afternoons.
What is the calorie profile of these bars?
While specific numbers aren't listed, they are categorized as low-calorie and use reduced-calorie ingredients.
When do I add the extra 2 tablespoons of crumbs?
Sprinkle them on top after the initial 10 minutes of baking the filling.
Are the ingredients wholesome?
Yes, the recipe uses wholesome ingredients like fresh lemon juice and nonfat sour cream to create a delightful treat.