There’s something magical about lemon desserts—that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy that keeps you coming back for more. These Vegan Lemon Bars are no exception! With a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, citrusy filling, they’re a dream for anyone who loves a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
We first made these on a sunny afternoon, craving something bright and zesty to go with our iced tea. The first bite? Pure lemony bliss! Now, they’ve become one of our favorite treats—whether for a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or just because we need a little sunshine in dessert form.
🍊 Why We LOVE These Vegan Lemon Bars
There are plenty of lemon bar recipes out there, but these stand out because they’re:
✔️ 100% plant-based – no eggs or dairy needed!
✔️ Perfectly creamy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
✔️ Tangy yet sweet, striking the perfect balance
✔️ Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients
Honestly, if you’ve never tried making lemon bars from scratch, this is the recipe to start with!
💡 Fun Fact: Lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making this a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also gives you a little health boost!
🥄 The Perfect Shortbread Crust – Buttery & Crisp
A good lemon bar starts with a solid foundation, and for us, that means a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. Instead of traditional butter, we use plant-based alternatives that keep the texture rich and delicious.
The secret? A touch of almond flour! It adds a delicate nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the lemony filling. Once baked to golden perfection, it holds up perfectly against the smooth, citrusy topping.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the crust cool completely before adding the lemon layer to keep it crisp!
🍋 The Dreamiest Lemon Filling
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—that luscious, tangy lemon filling! Traditional lemon bars use eggs for thickening, but our version is completely plant-based while still being silky-smooth and perfectly set.
We use a mix of:
✔️ Fresh lemon juice & zest for maximum citrus flavor
✔️ Coconut milk for creaminess
✔️ Maple syrup for a natural touch of sweetness
✔️ Cornstarch to achieve that classic firm yet creamy texture
The result? A sunny yellow, melt-in-your-mouth filling that tastes like pure sunshine!
💡 Lemon Zest Hack: Always zest your lemons before juicing—it’s way easier!
❄️ The Secret to Perfectly Set Lemon Bars
Patience is key when it comes to achieving the perfect texture. After baking, the lemon bars need to cool at room temperature and then chill in the fridge for a few hours.
This extra step ensures they firm up beautifully, making them easy to slice and giving them that dreamy, creamy consistency.
💡 Quick Chill Tip: If you’re short on time, pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of waiting hours in the fridge!
🍰 How to Serve & Store Your Lemon Bars
Once chilled, all that’s left to do is slice, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy! These bars are:
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – they store beautifully!
✔️ Great for parties – they hold their shape and don’t melt easily
✔️ A hit with non-vegans – no one will believe they’re dairy-free!
Storage Tips:
🔹 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
🔹 Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving!
💡 Serving Idea: Pair with a cup of herbal tea or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
✨ A Zesty Treat You’ll Want to Make Again & Again
These Vegan Lemon Bars check all the boxes—bright, tangy, creamy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a midweek pick-me-up, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra sunshine to your day.
So go ahead, grab those lemons, and let’s get baking! One bite, and you’ll be hooked. 🍋💛
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 ½ cups 180g all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup 50g coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
- ½ cup 120g vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup 240ml fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup 150g organic cane sugar or maple syrup
- 1 cup 240ml coconut cream (only the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric for natural yellow color, optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Press the dough evenly into the lined baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, coconut cream, cornstarch, turmeric, and vanilla.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). It should have a pudding-like consistency.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
- Step 3: Chill & Serve
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Once set, slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar (optional).
Notes
- For extra richness, add a pinch of sea salt to the filling.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, increase the cornstarch by 1 tbsp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Vegan Lemon Bars
🍋 What Makes These Lemon Bars Creamy Without Dairy?
These bars get their creamy texture from coconut milk or cashew cream, which provides richness without the need for dairy.
🌱 Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes! You can swap cane sugar for maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar. Just note that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture.
🥥 Do I Have to Use Coconut Oil in the Crust?
No! You can use vegan butter or another neutral oil instead, though coconut oil helps create a firm, buttery texture.
🔥 How Do I Know When the Lemon Filling Is Set?
The filling should be slightly firm to the touch with a gentle wobble in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
❄️ Can I Freeze These Lemon Bars?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
🌡️ How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and firm texture.
We hope these tips help you bake the perfect Vegan Lemon Bars! Enjoy! 🍋✨
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