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Vegan Lemon Bars (Easy Recipe)

Try this recipe to get the most delicious Vegan Lemon Bars you’ve ever had with a bright lemony flavor and the perfect amount of tang! With the most perfect vegan shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, you’re going to absolutely love these bars!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 42 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 250 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the crust:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup vegan butter chilled and cubed
  • pinch salt
For the lemon filling:
  • 1 ½ cups cane sugar
  • ½ cup lemon juice about 3-4 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • ½ cup almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice
  • ¼ cup cornstarch

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a food processor, add the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, chilled and cubed vegan butter, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan, forming an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
  4. In a small or medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, almond milk, and cornstarch. Whisk the mixture together until well combined.
  5. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Once the filling has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lemon filling over the hot crust. Make sure the filling is evenly spread.
  8. Once cooled, refrigerate the lemon bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to fully set.
  9. Once chilled, cut the lemon bars into squares or rectangles. Optionally, dust the tops with powdered sugar or serve with berries.

Notes

  • Perfectly yellow lemon bars: For the best color, zest the lemons properly, only removing the outer yellow part of the peel. This will contribute to the vibrant yellow color of the bars. Squeeze the lemons thoroughly to extract as much juice as possible, and if you prefer a deeper yellow, add a pinch of turmeric.
  • Chill adequately for perfect texture: Allow the lemon bars to chill for at least 2 hours. This not only lets them fully set, but also helps develop the right texture and flavor.
  • Grease or line your baking pan: To prevent the crust from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease it or use parchment paper before pressing in the shortbread crust mixture.
  • Press the crust evenly and firmly: When pressing the crust into the baking pan, use the back of a spoon or your fingers for an even distribution and a sturdy base for the lemon curd filling.
  • Stir the filling continuously: While cooking the lemon filling over medium heat, stir continuously to prevent lumps and to ensure it thickens evenly.
  • Avoid overcooking filling: Once the lemon filling has thickened and come to a gentle boil, remove it from the heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
  • Storage: Place the leftover vegan lemon bars in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up 3 to 4 days. It is crucial to keep them refrigerated to maintain their texture and taste.
  • Freezing: Wrap vegan lemon bars in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1slice Calories 250kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 45g (15%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Sodium 72mg (3%) Potassium 31mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 30g (60%) Vitamin A 1IU (0%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 17mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice
Calories 250kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 45g 15%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Sodium 72mg 3%
Potassium 31mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 30g 60%
Vitamin A 1IU 0%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 17mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.