A bag of Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour sits on a counter with lemon bars and fresh lemons.

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in some delicious, fresh-baked treats with bright citrusy lemon? While some individuals choose gluten-free options due to diagnosed conditions like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the benefits extend far beyond managing these specific health concerns. Gluten-free baking may sound complicated, but brands like Bob’s Red Mill take the confusion out of figuring out the right ratios with their line of pre-mixed gluten-free flours and mixes. Ocean State Job Lot carries a large selection of Bob’s Red Mill products, many of which are gluten-free so that everyone can enjoy a taste of spring!

A table is covered with different grains, pasta, and flour with the word ‘gluten’ crossed out.

Why Choose Gluten-Free?

A gluten-free lifestyle is a necessity if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But even for those who can handle gluten, opting to go gluten-free once in a while can be a path to improved digestion. Additionally, some people report experiencing increased energy levels after going gluten-free, potentially due to reduced inflammation. Whether you’re seeking to manage a health condition or simply exploring new and delicious options, gluten-free baking offers a world of possibilities.

Benefits of Gluten-Free Baking

While the primary reason for choosing gluten-free might be health-related, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing delicious treats. It may not be a miracle cure, but many people report that living a gluten-free lifestyle improved their mood and focus, relieved digestive issues, and helped them eat a more nutritious diet overall.

Now that you’re familiar with some of the potential benefits of gluten-free baking, let’s dive into a delightful recipe!

A plate of lemon bars sits on a table surrounded by powdered sugar and lemons.

The Perfect Lemon Bars Recipe

These sunshine-inspired gluten-free lemon bars (also called lemon squares) are a delightful treat, perfect for a spring afternoon. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends. No matter how you make them, they’re a delicious dessert everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients List:

For the crust:

  • 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.
  4. While the crust bakes, make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and baking powder until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Once the crust is cool, carefully pour the lemon filling over the top.
  6. Bake the lemon bars for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden brown around the edges. The center may still be a little jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.
  7. Take the pan out of the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness or top with whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust.
  • If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
  • For a stronger lemon flavor, use a bit more lemon zest in the filling.
  • Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For a more shortbread-like crumbly crust, you can substitute the 1-to-1 Baking Flour with Bob’s Red Mill almond flour. Be sure to read the package for exact substitution measurements.

If your local Ocean State Job Lot is out of Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour, don’t worry! You can substitute different gluten-free Bob’s Red Mill Flours to get the same results! Check out our blog post, Best Gluten-Free Flours: Which to Use, to help take the guesswork out of gluten-free baking!

A table with an assortment of pie pans, rolling pins, and bakeware.

Baking Essentials from Ocean State Job Lot

Equipping your kitchen with spring baking essentials doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Ocean State Job Lot has a fantastic selection of baking essentials at budget-friendly prices, making it the perfect place to find everything you need to create delicious treats whenever the mood strikes!

Must-Have Baking Tools

Ocean State Job Lot has you covered when it comes to the essential tools for baking success:

  • Mixing bowls: From small bowls for whisking eggs to large bowls for mixing batter, having a variety of sizes is crucial.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for baking, so invest in a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons.
  • Whisk: This versatile tool is perfect for mixing dry ingredients, incorporating air into eggs, and smoothing out lumps in batter.
  • Rubber spatula: A rubber spatula is a must-have for scraping down the sides of bowls, folding ingredients, and spreading frosting.
  • Baking sheets: These are essential for baking cookies, cakes, and other sheet pan desserts. Unlike a cookie sheet, they have a rolled edge with a lip around the pan to keep baked goods from sliding off.
  • Parchment paper: Perfect for quick clean-up, non-stick parchment paper can be reused a few times and can withstand most baking temperatures up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mother helping son to put frosting onto cupcakes

More Spring Baking Ideas

Once you’ve tried lemon bars, you can keep the lemony goodness going by trying a blueberry tart or a lemon pound cake. Lemon desserts not your thing? No problem! Here are some other suggestions to include the fresh, bright flavors of spring that you can easily adapt to be gluten-free using Bob’s Red Mill products.

  • Strawberry shortcake: Layers of fluffy biscuits, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream – a classic spring dessert.
  • Carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting: Spiced carrot cake cupcakes topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting – perfect for Easter celebrations.
  • Rhubarb crumble bars: Tart rhubarb filling with a crumbly oat topping – a delicious way to use seasonal rhubarb.

So, forget the notion that gluten-free baking means sacrificing flavor or fun, and embrace the vibrant flavors of spring by whipping up a batch of these sunshine-inspired gluten-free lemon bars! With Bob’s Red Mill’s convenient gluten-free flour blends and mixes and Ocean State Job Lot’s budget-friendly baking essentials, creating delicious treats for everyone is a breeze. Head to your local Ocean State Job Lot and welcome spring with a burst of sunshine – bake these delightful lemon bars and enjoy a taste of the season!