Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are a delightful treat that combine the tangy brightness of lemon with the unique crunch of poppy seeds. This recipe offers a satisfying way to indulge your sweet tooth without guilt, as it’s made with wholesome ingredients while keeping sugar to a minimum. With a creamy filling, buttery crust, and a zesty aroma, these bars invite you to take a bite and savor the rich flavors. Perfect for a family gathering, a light dessert, or a refreshing snack, these bars are simple to make and will quickly become a favorite in your home. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars! Firstly, the preparation is incredibly easy, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers. You’ll only need minimal ingredients that come together quickly, allowing you to make a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The yogurt adds a rich creaminess while being lighter and healthier than traditional recipes, making this a family-friendly treat that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Not only does it satisfy sweet cravings, but it also sneaks in wholesome ingredients, ticking all the boxes for a guilt-free indulgence!
Ingredients for Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- ¼ cup honey or agave syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (for the filling)
- Thin lemon slices for garnish (optional)
These ingredients shine with bright, citrusy flavors and healthy, hearty textures. The combination of almond and coconut flour not only makes for a gluten-free crust but also contributes a subtle nuttiness that complements the lemon beautifully.
Step-by-Step Directions for Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Mix well. Add the melted butter and honey, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow this crust to cool.
Make the Filling: While your crust is cooling, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lightly beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. To add even more texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Bake the Bars: Pour the Greek yogurt filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly using a spatula. Bake this in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a filling that is set but slightly wobbly in the center — this will ensure a creamy texture.
Cool & Chill: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. For the best results, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours. This will help set the filling and enhance the flavors.
Slice & Serve: After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares. Optionally, garnish with thin lemon slices for an elegant touch before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to ensure a vibrant flavor.
- For a touch of sweetness, consider drizzling some honey over the bars before serving.
- Try substituting the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free version if you’re aiming for vegan alternatives.
- Adding a few tablespoons of shredded coconut can give your bars an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven differs slightly; the bars should take on a slight golden hue and feel firm without being overly dry.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are perfect on their own but can be beautifully paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of additional poppy seeds for an extra touch. Consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a light lemon sorbet for a refreshing dessert platter. For tea lovers, these bars work wonderfully with herbal teas or a glass of iced lemon green tea, making them a delightful accompaniment to any gathering.
Nutritional Information
The Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are not only delicious but also nutritionally conscious. Each bar has approximately 150 calories, making it a perfect treat for those mindful of their caloric intake. With protein from Greek yogurt, healthy fats from almond flour, and a hint of fiber from coconut flour, you can indulge without compromise. Plus, this lower-sugar recipe offers a delicious balance of sweetness without being overwhelming, allowing the natural flavors of lemon to shine through.
Storing Tips & Variations for Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
These bars can be easily stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage options, you can freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy! If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding different flavors, such as lime instead of lemon, or even incorporating blueberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity variation.
Conclusion for Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
These Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars are a truly delightful treat combining refreshing flavors and a wholesome ingredient list. They are the perfect addition to any gathering, snack time, or as a sweet finish after dinner. The ease of preparation paired with the delicious outcome makes this recipe a must-try. Don’t hesitate — gather the ingredients and whip up a batch for yourself today!
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat yogurt, but bear in mind that it may alter the creaminess of the bars.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both almond flour and coconut flour are gluten-free, making this recipe entirely suitable for a gluten-free diet.
3. How can I make these bars sweeter?
You can increase the quantity of honey or use a sugar alternative to suit your taste preferences.
4. Can I add additional fruits to the filling?
Yes! You can fold in fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
5. What should I do if my filling doesn’t set while baking?
If your bars appear too wobbly after baking, simply return them to the oven for an additional few minutes until they are set.
Low Sugar Lemon Poppy Seed Greek Yogurt Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups almond flour
- 0.5 cups coconut flour
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 pieces lemons zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 0.25 cups honey or agave syrup
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- 0.25 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 pieces large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (for the filling)
- thin lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation of the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter and honey, stirring until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool.
Preparation of the Filling
- In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lightly beaten eggs. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of poppy seeds for added texture.
Baking the Bars
- Pour the Greek yogurt filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- Transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper and slice into squares. Garnish with thin lemon slices if desired.