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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- 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
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly.
- 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.
- Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust and spread it out evenly.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely in the baking dish.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the lemon bars for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
- 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