Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

This Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a delightful treat after dinner. Its creamy filling and crunchy crust will impress everyone, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. Enjoy these lemon bars during special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a refreshing snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and tart that will satisfy your dessert cravings.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, picnics, or as a delightful afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome components like maple syrup and cashews for added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable using gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan (square)
• Parchment paper
• Blender
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform crust and filling.
• Blender: Makes blending the filling quick and easy, ensuring a smooth texture without lumps.
• Baking pan: Allows for even baking of the crust, resulting in a perfectly golden base for your lemon bars.

Ingredients

This simple, tangy & sweet vegan lemon bar recipe is full of flavor and loosely based on the Starbucks lemon bar recipe.

For the Crust:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (240 g – you can also use regular all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup vegan butter (230 g)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup soaked cashews
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• pinch of salt
• pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)

How to Make Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preparing the crust. Combine all of the crust ingredients in a large bowl and mix them well.

Step 2: Line the Baking Pan

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with coconut oil.

Step 3: Press Down the Crust

Transfer the crust ingredients to the baking pan. Use a spoon or the flat bottom of a cup to press down on the crust to create a level bottom.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes at 350°F until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.

Step 5: Poke Holes in the Crust

Take a fork and poke holes all around the crust. Don’t poke all the way through; just about halfway. This helps hold together better when adding the filling.

Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While cooling, prepare your lemon filling. In a blender, combine coconut cream, soaked cashews, lemon juice and zest, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, salt, and turmeric. Blend until super smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Thicken the Filling

Transfer this mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and cook for about 4-6 minutes until it thickens significantly and darkens in color.

Step 8: Pour Filling Over Crust

Once thickened, pour it on top of your cooled crust. Level it out using a spatula.

Step 9: Refrigerate

Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight until fully set.

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Once ready, slice into bars, dust some powdered sugar on top if desired, and enjoy your delicious Vegan Lemon Bars!

How to Serve Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

Serving your Vegan Lemon Bars can elevate their taste and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this tangy dessert.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Topped with Coconut Whipped Cream

• A dollop of coconut whipped cream adds creaminess that complements the tartness of the lemon bars perfectly.

Drizzled with Fruit Sauce

• Create a vibrant fruit sauce using pureed berries or mango for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Chilled with Mint

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch that enhances the citrus flavor of the bars.

Paired with Herbal Tea

• Enjoy with a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to balance out the sweetness and provide a soothing experience.

How to Perfect Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

Achieving the perfect Vegan Lemon Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out great every time.

• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Blend well: Ensure you blend the filling until it’s completely smooth; this creates a creamy texture that’s delightful.
• Cool properly: Let the crust cool before adding the filling to maintain its structure and prevent sogginess.
• Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the bars long enough so they set properly; overnight chilling is ideal for firming up.
• Dust just before serving: To keep powdered sugar from melting into the bars, dust it on right before serving for a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

Complementing your Vegan Lemon Bars with delicious side dishes can make for an enjoyable dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness and balances the tanginess of lemon bars.
2. Coconut Sorbet: This light, dairy-free sorbet pairs wonderfully with lemon bars, enhancing their tropical flavors.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy chia pudding offers a nutritious touch, making it a great accompaniment to the zesty dessert.
4. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds a delightful texture contrast while being easy to dip in tea or coffee.
5. Green Salad: A simple green salad with light vinaigrette can cleanse your palate between bites of sweet lemon bars.
6. Granola Parfait: Layered granola with yogurt (coconut yogurt for vegan) and berries creates an appealing contrast to lemon bars.
7. Cacao Nib Cookies: These crunchy cookies add a chocolatey element that complements the citrus flavor beautifully.
8. Herbal Infused Water: Serving lemon bars with infused water (like cucumber or mint) refreshes and ties in flavor notes nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing the Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much flour can lead to a dense crust. Always measure your flour using the spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Not Cooling the Crust: Skipping the cooling step may result in a soggy base. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the lemon filling.
• Overmixing the Filling: Over blending can introduce excess air, causing the filling to become too fluffy instead of creamy. Blend just until smooth.
• Skipping the Refrigeration: Not refrigerating long enough can leave bars too soft. Chill overnight for best results.
• Neglecting to Dust with Powdered Sugar: Forgetting this final touch can make the bars less visually appealing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat to gently warm bars without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe.

Can I replace maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use agave syrup or coconut sugar as alternatives, adjusting measurements as needed for sweetness.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour as specified in the recipe, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What is a good substitute for coconut cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or silken tofu blended until smooth if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How long do these vegan lemon bars last?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, they will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add other flavors to my lemon bars?

Absolutely! Consider adding a bit of ginger or lavender for unique flavor twists that complement the lemon nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe is not only delicious but also simple and adaptable. Its tangy sweetness is perfect for any occasion, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite flavors or toppings. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with this Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe. These delightful bars feature a creamy coconut and cashew filling on a buttery crust, making them a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether served at gatherings, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or paired with tea, these bars are sure to impress everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. With easy-to-follow instructions and wholesome ingredients like maple syrup and fresh lemon juice, you can create these mouthwatering desserts without any hassle. Enjoy a slice of sunshine today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegan butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1/2 cup soaked cashews
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• pinch of salt
• pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crust ingredients: flour, vegan butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Let it cool.
5. Poke holes in the cooled crust with a fork to help hold the filling.
6. In a blender, blend together coconut cream, soaked cashews, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, salt, and optional turmeric until smooth.
7. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously for about 4-6 minutes until thickened.
8. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and level it out with a spatula.
9. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight until fully set.
10. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg