Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

With these delectable vegan lemon bars, indulge in the ideal harmony of tart and sweet. You’ll want more of the buttery shortbread crust’s buttery shortbread filling, which provides a burst of tangy citrus flavour. These bars will be a hit whether you serve them at summer get-togethers, baby showers, or just as a sweet treat. 

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (coconut oil or plant-based margarine), chilled and cubed

For the lemon filling

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

For the crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and chilled vegan butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to come together.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while preparing the lemon filling.

For the lemon filling

1. Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly.
2. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut cream, maple syrup, cornstarch or arrowroot powder, and a pinch of turmeric (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
4. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
5. Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the baking dish.
6. Once cooled, refrigerate the lemon bars for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
7. Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar (if desired) and cut into squares before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 3g