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Tropical Paleo Lemon Bars

These tropical paleo lemon bars use lime juice and macadamia nuts to give the classic dessert a Caribbean twist. They're a healthier, gluten and grain free dessert that's only 7 ingredients!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the crust:
  • 3 Tbsp macadamia nuts finely chopped
  • 1/4 Cup honey
  • 1/2 Cup coconut oil at room temperature it should be the consistency of soft butter
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 Cup coconut flour sifted (95g)*
For the topping:
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 Cup honey
  • 2 tsps lime zest firmly packed
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh** Lemon juice about 2-3 large lemons
  • 1/4 Cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsps coconut flour sifted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and generously rub an 8x8 inch pan with coconut oil. Set aside.
  2. Place the macadamia pieces onto a small baking sheet and place into the oven until golden brown and nutty smelling, just a few minutes. Watch them closely so they don't burn.
  3. In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together the honey, coconut oil and pinch of salt until creamy and well combined. Stir in the coconut flour until a dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and the sprinkle evenly with the toasted macadamia pieces, gently pressing into the crust.
  5. Bake until just lightly golden brown, about 8 minutes. *** Once cooked, let cool for 30 minutes.
  6. Lower the temperature of your oven to 325 degrees and lower the oven rack to the 2nd from the bottom position.
  7. Once the crust has cooled, gently whisk together the eggs, honey and lime zest in a large bowl. Do NOT use an electric mixer here or you will over-beat the eggs and the topping with crack once baked. Use a hand whisk.
  8. In a separate, medium bowl, whisk together the lemon and lime juice. Then, whisk in the coconut flour, 1 tsp at a time, until well mixed. Make sure you continually whisk as you add the flour so that it doesn't clump up.
  9. Pour the lemon/lime juice mixture into the egg mixture, whisking while you pour, until evenly combined.
  10. Pour the topping over top of the cooled crust and bake until it is just set, and the very center is just slightly jiggly, about 21-23 minutes. Let cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, best over-night. You need to let the crust completely cool, or it will be soft.
  11. Using a VERY sharp knife (or else you might not cut through the crust) cut the bars into squares and DEVOUR. ****

Notes

  • * PLEASE weigh your flour after sifting in order to make sure these turn out. Gluten free baking is tricky, and accurate measurements are key.**Do NOT use lemon juice from a bottle, it tastes completely different than fresh. I tried it. Not good.*** Make sure you DON'T OVER-BAKE it. I did once, and it completely makes the lemon layer bake funny, and makes it almost disappear. You want to to be golden brown on the edges and VERY light brown on the inside.I have had a few readers struggle with this recipe, but I have made in MANY MANY times with great results. Please make sure to follow the directions as written.Store bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.****The first bar is a little difficult to get out, so be gentle! But, once one is out, it's smooth sailing!

Nutrition Information

Calories 222kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.004g Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 40mg (2%) Potassium 47mg (1%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 19g (38%) Vitamin A 62IU (1%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 11mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% Daily Value*

Calories 222kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.004g 0%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 40mg 2%
Potassium 47mg 1%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 19g 38%
Vitamin A 62IU 1%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.