If you’re looking for a simple, reliable summer dessert, these einkorn lemon bars are just what you need. They have a bright, tangy lemon filling balanced by a buttery, tender crust made with einkorn flour. The texture is soft and smooth on top with a slightly crumbly shortcrust base, giving you a nice contrast without being fussy to make. They are easy to prepare, slice cleanly, and work well for everything from get-togethers to an everyday treat at home.
What Makes Einkorn Lemon Bars Different?
What makes einkorn lemon bars special starts with the flour itself. Einkorn is an ancient grain that behaves differently than modern all-purpose flour, and that difference shows up in both texture and flavor. Because it has a weaker gluten structure, it naturally creates a more tender, delicate crust that works especially well for shortcrust-style baking. Instead of feeling tough or overly chewy, the crust stays soft, slightly crumbly once baked.
Benefits of Using Einkorn Flour
From a nutrition and digestion standpoint, Einkorn is an exceptional option. Though it does contain gluten, it contains less of the proteins that are most often the cause of immune responses, which can help with easier digestion for those who are sensitive to modern wheat. Flavor-wise, einkorn also brings a rich flavor that you don’t get from standard flour, adding more character to something as simple as a lemon bar. The result is a dessert that tastes familiar, but with a richer, more wholesome note.
Pro Tips for Making Einkorn Shortcrust
When making einkorn shortcrust, a few small adjustments make a big difference in the final texture.
- Start by mixing all the dry ingredients first so everything is evenly distributed before any moisture is added.
- Then gently rub in the butter with your fingertips rather than overworking it. This helps keep the crust tender instead of dense.
- Finally, don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit crumbly or uneven; that’s exactly what you want. Einkorn behaves best when it’s handled lightly, and that loose, sandy texture will bake into a soft, delicate crust.
FAQs
How do you store lemon bars?
For storage, lemon bars should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days.
Can you freeze einkorn lemon bars?
They also freeze well; simply wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture. Keep in mind that the bars will probably not retain their original texture completely.
Einkorn Lemon Bars
Ingredients
for the crust
- 1¼ cup 150g all-purpose einkorn flour
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup 28 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup 113g butter, softened
for the topping
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup 208 g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 40g all- purpose einkorn flour
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup 160g lemon juice, freshly squeezed (4-5 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease and line a 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Chill for zo minutes. This helps the crust not shrink as much.
- Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown on the edges.
- Meanwhile, prepare the topping. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Sprinkle the flour and salt on top and whisk until fully combined. Whisk in the lemon juice and vanilla.
- While the crust is still hot, pour on the topping.Reduce the oven temperature to 325° F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is set and just slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Notes:
- Before squeezing your lemons, use the palm of your hand to roll the lemons with firm pressure on the counter. This can help release the juices.
Learn More About Cooking With Einkorn Flour
This Lemon Bars recipe is featured in my new cookbook, The Essential Einkorn Cookbook, designed for cooks who want clear guidance and dependable results when working with einkorn flour. Alongside this recipe, the book includes a wide range of soups, breads, desserts, and everyday meals tailored to how einkorn naturally behaves.
If you’ve found this recipe helpful, the cookbook offers even more dishes and foundational tips to help you cook with confidence. It’s meant to be both a practical guide and a source of inspiration for cooking food that’s nourishing, satisfying, and delightful to share.
