There’s something magical about biting into a lemon bar. That bright, tangy citrus flavour combined with a buttery crust just hits differently, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I tried making lemon bars—I was craving something sweet but refreshing, and honestly, I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s how this vegan lemon bar recipe came to life. It’s super simple, completely plant-based, and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based baking, I promise you’ll love these!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Lemon Bars
Perfectly Zesty and Creamy
If you’re like me and love a dessert that balances tanginess with sweetness, these bars are exactly what you need. The creamy lemon filling has just the right amount of zing and pairs perfectly with the buttery crust. And the best part? You don’t need eggs or dairy to achieve that rich, creamy texture—plant-based ingredients work wonders here.
100% Dairy-Free and Egg-Free
When I first started experimenting with vegan baking, I was worried I’d miss the richness of eggs and butter in traditional recipes. Here’s a little secret: I don’t miss them one bit! These lemon bars are completely dairy-free and egg-free, yet they’re just as creamy and flavorful as the ones I grew up eating.
Easy to Make
Trust me, I’m not one for complicated recipes. These lemon bars are incredibly simple to whip up! You’ll have a tray of delightful lemony goodness ready with a few simple steps and common ingredients. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making your desserts from scratch, don’t you think?
Customizable Options
What I really enjoy about this recipe is how versatile it can be. Want to make it gluten-free? No problem. Prefer a little less sugar? Easy fix. You can tweak it to fit your preferences without sacrificing flavour.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Lemon Bars
For the Crust:
- Almond Flour: I love using almond flour because it gives the crust a nice nutty flavour and crumbly texture. If you need a gluten-free option, this works perfectly!
- Vegan Butter: This is what makes the crust rich and buttery. I usually use high-quality vegan butter for the best flavour.
- Maple Syrup: A little sweetness goes a long way here, and maple syrup adds a nice depth of flavour without being overpowering.
For the Filling:
- Fresh Lemons and Lemon Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that bright, tangy flavour. And don’t skip the zest—it adds an extra citrusy punch that makes all the difference.
- Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess to the filling. I like using full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling so it sets properly.
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and that smooth, silky consistency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Lemon Bars
1. Prepare the Crust
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the almond flour, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a bowl. It should come together like a soft dough. Once it’s ready, press it evenly into a lined baking dish—don’t worry if it looks a little rustic!
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool while you work on the filling.
2. Make the Filling
Now, onto the star of the show—the lemon filling. Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut milk, powdered sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Keep whisking it over medium heat until it starts to thicken. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this part—you want a smooth, creamy filling with no lumps.
3. Assemble and Bake
After preparing your filling, gently pour it over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Pop it back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the centre. It’ll firm up more as it cools.
4. Chill and Serve
This is the hardest part—waiting! Let the bars cool at room temperature before putting them in the fridge. They need to chill for at least 2 hours to set properly. Once they’re nice and cold, dust the top with powdered sugar, slice them into squares, and dig in.
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Lemon Bars
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Trust me on this one—fresh lemon juice makes a difference. It gives the filling a bright, vibrant flavour that you just can’t get from bottled juice.
Don’t Skip the Zest
I know zesting lemons can be tedious, but it’s worth it. The zest adds an extra layer of citrus flavour that takes these bars to the next level.
Allow Proper Chilling Time
You want to dig in immediately, but chilling the bars is essential. It helps the filling set and makes slicing so much easier. Plus, they taste even better when they’re cold.
Experiment with Sweeteners
Feel free to play around with the sweetness. If you want a less sugary dessert, cut back on the powdered sugar or use a natural sweetener like agave or coconut sugar.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour. Be sure to use ingredients that are labelled gluten-free.
Lower-Sugar Option
Looking to reduce your sugar intake? You can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling.
Flavor Variations
Feel like experimenting? Try swapping some lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist. Feel free to add a dash of vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
Topping Ideas
Want to get fancy? Top your lemon bars with fresh berries, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of vegan white chocolate. It adds a fun touch and makes them look extra special.
FAQ Section About Vegan Lemon Bars
Can I make these lemon bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour blend in place of almond flour.
How long do vegan lemon bars last?
If you store them in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Honestly, though, they never last that long in my house!
Can I freeze vegan lemon bars?
Yes, you can. Wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge.
Why are my lemon bars not set properly?
If your lemon bars didn’t set, it might be because the filling wasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure you whisk it until it thickens before pouring it onto the crust.
Conclusion For Vegan Lemon Bars
These vegan lemon bars have become a staple in my dessert rotation. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and always a hit with friends and family. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, I know you’ll love them.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the process. And hey, if you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out! I’d love to hear about your experience. Feel free to share it in the comments or tag me on social media! Happy baking!
Want more Bars recipes?
- Vegan Chocolate Matcha
- Vegan Pumpkin Cake Bars
- Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
- Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Vegan Lemon Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1/4 cup vegan butter melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup.
- Press evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut milk, powdered sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat over medium, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the filling onto the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the filling sets.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Once chilled, dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- To cut down on sugar, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or opt for a natural sweetener instead.
- Gluten-free? Substitute almond flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend.
- These bars are best served cold after chilling thoroughly.