Enjoy the bright and tangy flavor of Vegan Lemon Bars with this easy-to-follow recipe. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon filling, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegan butter, melted (225g)

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (240ml, about 4 large lemons)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 14 ounces canned coconut cream (400ml, unsweetened)
• ½ cup cornstarch (64g)
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (for color)

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the melted vegan butter and mix until crumbly.
   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.
3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, lemon extract, salt, coconut cream, cornstarch, and turmeric.
   • Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine and Bake:
   • Pour the lemon filling over the baked shortbread crust and smooth it out evenly.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Cool and Chill:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour.
   • Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
6. Slice and Serve:
   • Once completely chilled, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang.
   • Place on a cutting board and slice into squares.
   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique twist!

These Vegan Lemon Bars are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or a refreshing treat at home. Enjoy!