Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars Perfectly Tart Delight

by Charlotte on November 17, 2024

If you love desserts that are both zingy and creamy, then Greek Yogurt Lemon Bars are for you! These bars hit the sweet spot between delectable and refreshing. With zesty lemon and tangy Greek yogurt, each bite is a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to make these bars at home. Let’s create a perfectly tart delight that will brighten your day!

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - Zest of 2 lemons - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - Additional powdered sugar for dusting To make Greek yogurt lemon bars, gather these ingredients first. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect tart flavor. The flour gives the base its structure. I always use all-purpose flour for a nice balance. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the crust stay tender. Unsalted butter brings richness and flavor to the crust. The star of this recipe is plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a tangy taste that makes these bars special. Granulated sugar sweetens the filling. Using three large eggs helps bind everything together. Lemon zest gives a strong burst of flavor. The freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright acidity. Baking powder helps the filling rise a bit, while sea salt enhances all these flavors. Lastly, you dust the bars with extra powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat you will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). - Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking dish. To make the crust, start by mixing the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the softened butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a nice base for your lemon bars. Next, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s smooth and well mixed. Pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. This will ensure each bite has the perfect balance of crust and filling. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set and the edges will turn a light golden brown. It’s okay if the center jiggles a bit. It will firm up as it cools. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After it cools, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set up nicely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Cut into squares and arrange them on a plate. These lemon bars are now ready to enjoy! Using room temperature ingredients is key for great lemon bars. It helps the mixture blend smoothly. Softened butter mixes better with sugar, creating a nice crust. Eggs at room temperature whip more easily, adding air and lightness. Cooling the bars is just as important. After baking, let them cool completely at room temp. This step helps the filling set up perfectly. For a firmer texture, chill the bars in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting. Garnish your lemon bars for a fresh look. Thin slices of lemon add color and brightness. Fresh mint sprigs give a nice touch, too. Dusting the bars with powdered sugar makes them look extra fancy. When presenting, place the bars on a pretty platter. Arrange them in neat rows for a clean look. You can also sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for added flair. These tips will make your lemon bars stand out at any gathering. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and Greek yogurt to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking. Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have preservatives that alter the taste. Cool Thoroughly: Let the lemon squares cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps achieve the perfect texture and prevents excess moisture. Dust Just Before Serving: For the best presentation, dust the lemon squares with powdered sugar right before serving. This keeps the sugar from melting and maintains a beautiful finish. {{image_4}} You can make Greek yogurt lemon bars a bit healthier. One way is to use a gluten-free flour substitute. I like almond flour or coconut flour. These options keep the bars tasty while catering to gluten-free diets. They add a nice texture too. You can also reduce the sugar for a lighter version. Try cutting the granulated sugar in half. This change makes the bars less sweet but still full of lemon flavor. You can even use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the liquid in the recipe. To boost the flavor, consider adding other citrus like lime or orange. A bit of lime zest gives a fresh twist. Orange juice can make the bars sweeter and more vibrant. Mixing citrus flavors opens up fun new tastes. You can also incorporate herbs like basil or thyme for uniqueness. These herbs add depth and freshness. Just a small amount can change the whole dish. Try finely chopping the herbs and mixing them into the filling. It creates a surprise flavor that pairs well with lemon. To keep your Greek yogurt lemon bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps them tasting great. If you want to freeze them, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps keep them fresh for later. In the fridge, your lemon bars will stay fresh for up to five days. Look for a firm texture and bright color to confirm freshness. If they start to look dull or feel slimy, it's time to toss them. Also, a sour smell means they have likely gone bad. Always trust your senses to keep your treats safe and tasty. To cut lemon bars well, chill them first. This makes the filling firm. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for neat edges. Yes, you can make these lemon bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh and tasty. To thicken the filling, add an extra egg or use more Greek yogurt. You can also mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help the filling set better as it bakes. You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt. For a non-dairy option, use coconut yogurt. Each option will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they work well. If your lemon bars are too tart, dust them with more powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle honey or maple syrup on top. Adding a dollop of whipped cream balances the tartness nicely. Making lemon bars is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients, from flour to fresh lemon juice. I shared step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake. You learned helpful tips to improve texture and presentation. Variations allow you to customize flavors while storage info keeps your bars fresh. Enjoy testing your skills with this tasty treat. Whether for yourself or sharing, lemon bars always bring joy. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these squares a refreshing and lively taste that awakens the palate.
Creamy Texture: The addition of Greek yogurt not only enhances the flavor but also creates a rich and creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these lemon squares can be whipped up quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
Impressive Presentation: Dusting the squares with powdered sugar and garnishing with lemon slices or mint makes for an elegant dessert that looks and tastes fantastic.

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 3 large eggs

– Zest of 2 lemons

– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

– Additional powdered sugar for dusting

To make Greek yogurt lemon bars, gather these ingredients first. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect tart flavor.

The flour gives the base its structure. I always use all-purpose flour for a nice balance. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the crust stay tender. Unsalted butter brings richness and flavor to the crust.

The star of this recipe is plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a tangy taste that makes these bars special. Granulated sugar sweetens the filling. Using three large eggs helps bind everything together.

Lemon zest gives a strong burst of flavor. The freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright acidity. Baking powder helps the filling rise a bit, while sea salt enhances all these flavors.

Lastly, you dust the bars with extra powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat you will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

– Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Make the Crust

To make the crust, start by mixing the flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the softened butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a nice base for your lemon bars.

Prepare and Bake the Filling

Next, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Make sure it’s smooth and well mixed. Pour this mixture over your pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. This will ensure each bite has the perfect balance of crust and filling.

Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set and the edges will turn a light golden brown. It’s okay if the center jiggles a bit. It will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After it cools, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the bars set up nicely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Cut into squares and arrange them on a plate. These lemon bars are now ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Lemon Bars

Using room temperature ingredients is key for great lemon bars. It helps the mixture blend smoothly. Softened butter mixes better with sugar, creating a nice crust. Eggs at room temperature whip more easily, adding air and lightness.

Cooling the bars is just as important. After baking, let them cool completely at room temp. This step helps the filling set up perfectly. For a firmer texture, chill the bars in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your lemon bars for a fresh look. Thin slices of lemon add color and brightness. Fresh mint sprigs give a nice touch, too. Dusting the bars with powdered sugar makes them look extra fancy.

When presenting, place the bars on a pretty platter. Arrange them in neat rows for a clean look. You can also sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for added flair. These tips will make your lemon bars stand out at any gathering.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and Greek yogurt to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have preservatives that alter the taste.
Cool Thoroughly: Let the lemon squares cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps achieve the perfect texture and prevents excess moisture.
Dust Just Before Serving: For the best presentation, dust the lemon squares with powdered sugar right before serving. This keeps the sugar from melting and maintains a beautiful finish.

Variations

Healthier Alternatives

You can make Greek yogurt lemon bars a bit healthier. One way is to use a gluten-free flour substitute. I like almond flour or coconut flour. These options keep the bars tasty while catering to gluten-free diets. They add a nice texture too.

You can also reduce the sugar for a lighter version. Try cutting the granulated sugar in half. This change makes the bars less sweet but still full of lemon flavor. You can even use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the liquid in the recipe.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost the flavor, consider adding other citrus like lime or orange. A bit of lime zest gives a fresh twist. Orange juice can make the bars sweeter and more vibrant. Mixing citrus flavors opens up fun new tastes.

You can also incorporate herbs like basil or thyme for uniqueness. These herbs add depth and freshness. Just a small amount can change the whole dish. Try finely chopping the herbs and mixing them into the filling. It creates a surprise flavor that pairs well with lemon.

Storage Info

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your Greek yogurt lemon bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps them tasting great. If you want to freeze them, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps keep them fresh for later.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your lemon bars will stay fresh for up to five days. Look for a firm texture and bright color to confirm freshness. If they start to look dull or feel slimy, it’s time to toss them. Also, a sour smell means they have likely gone bad. Always trust your senses to keep your treats safe and tasty.

FAQs

What is the best way to cut lemon bars?

To cut lemon bars well, chill them first. This makes the filling firm. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for neat edges.

Can I make these lemon bars in advance?

Yes, you can make these lemon bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for up to four days. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh and tasty.

How can I make the filling thicker?

To thicken the filling, add an extra egg or use more Greek yogurt. You can also mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help the filling set better as it bakes.

Is it possible to substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?

You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt. For a non-dairy option, use coconut yogurt. Each option will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they work well.

What can I do if my lemon bars are too tart?

If your lemon bars are too tart, dust them with more powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle honey or maple syrup on top. Adding a dollop of whipped cream balances the tartness nicely.

Making lemon bars is simple and fun. We covered the key ingredients, from flour to fresh lemon juice. I shared step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake. You learned helpful tips to improve texture and presentation. Variations allow you to customize flavors while storage info keeps your bars fresh.

Enjoy testing your skills with this tasty treat. Whether for yourself or sharing, lemon bars always bring joy. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitche

Mediterranean Greek Yogurt Lemon Squares

Delicious lemon squares made with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 units zest of lemons
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
to taste cup additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Make the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press this crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Bake the Crust: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Combine Layers: Carefully pour the yogurt mixture over the warm pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to maintain balance between crust and filling.
Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. It’s perfectly fine if the center has a slight jiggle, as it will firm up while cooling.
Cool Down: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to further firm up the squares.
Serve: Before cutting and serving, dust the top of the lemon squares with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish. Cut into squares and arrange on a serving plate.

Notes

Serve chilled and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Keyword dessert, Greek yogurt, lemon squares