Easy, Gluten Free Microwave Lemon Bars

Woah, Nelly!! Did you know it was possible to make a shortbread/pie-like crust in the microwave?? And that it could be gluten free? I just experimented with this last week and made the most amazing dessert in the microwave.

Mind. Blown. 

So many doors have opened in my brain.

But let's start with these lemon bars. These lemon bars are simply divine. And can be whipped up in no time, without even turning on the stove.

They have a buttery, crispy crust, and the lemon filling is tart, sweet, and all things good. My father-in-law said these were the best lemon bars he's ever had, and I have to agree.


Sunday dinners at the in-laws is an opportunity for me to try out a dessert or salad recipe, and since last week I posted a recipe for Gluten Free Microwave Mac & Cheese, I thought I would try out another microwave recipe.


And thank the gods I did!! These lemon bars are totally going on my list of approved recipes.

There are not that many ingredients, and it's fairly cheap to make.

The only hard part is the wait while these bars chill and set.

The original inspiration for this recipe came from this glutinous version on Mom on Timeout. I've modified it to be gluten free and cut back a little on the sugar.

I zest the lemons, then squeeze the juice out for use - ultimately, you'll need about 2-3 lemons for this.  Microwave time will depend on your microwave, see instructions below for details :)


Ingredients for Microwave Gluten Free Lemon Bars

Crust Ingredients:
3/4 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup tapioca starch
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
pinch salt
1 Tbsp lemon zest
6 Tbsp butter (or dairy free alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter), melted + extra for greasing dish


Filling Ingredients:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp lemon zest
3 eggs at room temp (I'm sorry, I haven't tried a vegan alternative for this. If you try, pls let me know!)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp white rice flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt


Directions:

For Crust:

1) Lightly grease a 9x9" microwave baking dish with butter or dairy-free alternative.

2) Sift together brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and salt. Blend in zest and melted butter and press all into baking dish.

3) Microwave dish for 3 minutes, or until crust takes on a solid appearance, like a sugar cookie, adding time in 30sec increments as needed. This will solidify a bit after chilling as well. Set aside and prepare filling.


For Filling:

1) In a large bowl, beat together sugar, zest, eggs, and lemon juice until blended. Add in remaining ingredients and beat approximately 2 minutes.

2) Pour filling over crust and microwave 3 minutes, or until set. Add time in 1 min increments. The filling should be a little jiggly, but solid. It will set further during chill time.

Let dish cool, then chill lemon bars in fridge for several hours, or overnight, before serving. Cut into squares and dust with icing sugar, or add more lemon zest, if desired. Keep chilled. These keep for at least a week in the fridge.

Have you ever made a dessert in the microwave before? 

What's your favourite dish with lemon?

Have you seen my latest novel, The Draughtsman's Daughter? Check it out, and be transported into an action-packed, tomb-raider mystery romance set in Ancient Egypt's Land of the Dead.