Vegan Lemon Bar Recipe That’s Zesty and Easy to Make

If you have a sweet tooth but follow a plant-based lifestyle, you’re in for a treat! This vegan lemon bar recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering the perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and a buttery, crumbly crust—all without any animal products.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert for a summer gathering or a bright, zesty snack to lift your spirits, these lemon bars deliver on taste and texture.

Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh lemon juice, coconut oil, and a hint of natural sweetness, these bars are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to whip up this crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress vegan and non-vegan friends alike with a dessert that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Ready to brighten your baking repertoire? Let’s dive into this scrumptious vegan lemon bar recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lemon bar recipe stands out because it’s:

• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously tangy: The fresh lemon juice and zest give a vibrant, refreshing flavor that awakens your taste buds.
• Plant-based and wholesome: No eggs, dairy, or refined sugars—just naturally sweetened and vegan-friendly.
• Perfectly textured: A crisp, crumbly crust paired with a smooth, creamy lemon filling creates a delightful contrast.
• Great for any occasion: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a simple homemade treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• ⅓ cup organic cane sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• For the lemon filling:
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (well shaken)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)
• For dusting: Powdered sugar or coconut sugar (optional)

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or fine grater
• Juicer (manual or electric)
• Spatula
• Medium saucepan
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted coconut oil and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press crust into pan: Transfer the mixture into the baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, smooth layer.
3. Bake the crust: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the lemon filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, cornstarch, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and turmeric (if using) in a medium saucepan.
5. Cook the filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. The mixture will thicken after about 6-8 minutes. Once it becomes smooth and custard-like, remove from heat.
6. Pour filling over crust: Carefully pour the lemon filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Cool and chill: Let the lemon bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
9. Slice and serve: Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For the best lemon flavor, use fresh, organic lemons and zest before juicing. Avoid the white pith to keep the bars from turning bitter.

• Try using maple syrup or agave instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Add a sprinkle of poppy seeds or chia seeds in the filling for a subtle crunch and extra nutrition.
• Top with fresh berries or a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
• Interested in more vegan delights? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another fantastic dessert option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan lemon bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They make a fantastic dessert on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of accompaniments:

• Serve chilled with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer treat.
• Top with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pretty presentation at parties or brunches.
• Pair with a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Use lemon bars as a base for a vegan trifle layered with coconut yogurt and berries.

For more easy and delicious vegan recipes to complement your lemon bars, explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect vegan lemon bars is easier than you think, and this recipe proves that plant-based baking can be both simple and sensational. The bright, zesty lemon filling complemented by the buttery crust offers a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love—vegan or not.

Plus, with wholesome ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip these up anytime, whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in.

These lemon bars showcase how delicious and vibrant vegan desserts can be, encouraging you to keep experimenting with plant-based sweets. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends who appreciate a fresh, tangy treat.

And when you’re ready to try more vegan delights, explore our collection of recipes for inspiration and culinary fun.

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