Lemon Thyme Bars - Gluten Free

Looking for a fresh dessert? I've got it for you... these lemon thyme bars remind me of spring. The combination of the bright lemon with the woodsy thyme is perfect. Sometimes a break from the typical chocolate dessert is necessary. It wakes up your taste buds!!

I made these gluten free, but it's easy to make them with gluten (just use 1 cup of typical wheat all-purpose flour in place of the gluten free all purpose flour & oat flour).

Lemon Thyme Bars

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter at room temperature

3/4 cup oat flour

1/2 cup gluten all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare an 8 inch by 8 inch square pan with cooking spray. Dust the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of flour. Tilt and tap the sides to get them coated with flour also.

Using an electric mixer, blend together the butter and powdered sugar on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and mix until combined. Slowly add the flours, thyme, and salt to the bowl while the mixer speed is reduced. Press the mixture into the prepared pan using your fingers.

TIP: Get your fingers a little damp to keep the dough from sticking to your fingers while pressing it into the pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool.

Make the glaze...

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon the glaze over the cooled crust and allow it to harden at room temperature for at least one hour. 

Cut into squares and place a sprig of fresh thyme on each square. Enjoy!

 

recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis