This weekend I dove into more gluten-free and dairy-free baking, it's really so much fun to re-configure recipes and see what works and what tastes like a good 'ol gluten recipe. As many of you know, last month my husband decided to go gluten and dairy-free. Not for any major health concerns but more just for his health in general. He actually has already lost 13 lbs, how amazing is that! He is losing weight while I gain, in the form of a new precious babe at least! The month has ended but he is now continuing to try to be as gluten-free as possible adding in dairy every now and again and overall trying to do more paleo-type eating which uses more foods of our primitive ancestors (lean meats, vegetables, fruits, etc). I think this is great and while I'm not a huge proponent of strict dieting I do think that these are all healthier ways to eat as they allow our bodies to process foods more easily since the foods are healthful and simple at best.
As a family we have always tried to eat balanced, healthful meals and now this gives me more reason to try to add in good oils, better flours and just expand my cooking and baking skillz. So far, so good :-) Oh, and some of you have asked what my husband eats when I do make a meal that I share with you on here that has dairy or gluten and to be totally honest, we as a family do not always eat gluten/dairy free. My husband works late at our office 3 nights a week so on those nights I may make a diary or gluten-containing recipe. But for the most part we try to stick with the rule that we all eat the same meals otherwise we would end up running a restaurant!
Okay, back to the bars. One of my husband's favorite treats to eat are lemon bars, you too? They are sooo good...the perfect combination of sweet and tart. I played around with my favorite lemon bar recipe this weekend to try and come up with a just-as-delicious GF DF version of them and I think I found it on the first try, hooray! These were literally gone in one day. A hit if I do say so myself, I love when that happens.
Lemon Bars {Dairy-Free Gluten-Free}
1/3 cup dairy-free butter substitute (I like Earth Balance)
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour or gluten-free baking mix (I love Pamela's although only the GF BREAD mix is dairy-free!)
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp flour or gluten-free baking mix
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp baking powder
powdered sugar
In a medium bowl, mix together the dairy-free butter substitute, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 cup flour until crumbly. Press the mixture into a 8x8 greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. For the filling, mix together the remaining sugar, flour, eggs, lemon juice, and baking powder until just combined. Pour filling over the baked crust layer and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Cool on rack and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Ready to bake up some gluten-free, dairy-free lemon bars? Okay let's get started!
PS. In the picture above Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix is shown, this is Gluten-free but NOT dairy-free as there is buttermilk in the ingredients list, the Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread mix is dairy-free though and can be easily substituted!!
Combine 1/3 cup dairy-free butter substitute, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup gluten-free baking mix together until crumbly. Press into an 8x8 inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. I also greased my dish with the dairy substitute using a paper towel.
Once you start to see the crust turning golden brown around the edges it's done...take it out of the oven!
Then mix together the eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons GF baking mix, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. PS...did you know that not all baking powder is gluten-free? Clabber Girl is one store brand that is which is awesome because I already had it in my pantry!
Pour the filling mixture over top the baked crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
When the lemon bars are lightly browned along the edges you know they are done. Let cool on a cooling rack.
If you'd like you can dust the lemon bars with powdered sugar...yum!
Go ahead, cut those babies in to squares and try one out! Don't they taste devine!
That's it...an easy and delicious recipe for those good 'ol fashioned lemon bars.
Just like grandma made :-)
My husband is over the moon that he can enjoy these again!
I hope you try this recipe out, don't be shy just because it is gluten and dairy-free although if you want to go straight up gluten and dairy on me just replace butter and regular all-purpose flour for the GF DF substitutes...you will still love the results, promise!
Have a great day!!
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO,
Labels: Desserts, Recipes, Snack Time Food
