Description
Lemon Bars offer a perfect balance of tangy freshness and sweet creamy indulgence with a buttery, crisp plant-based crust and a luscious, zesty lemon filling made from fresh lemon juice and natural ingredients. This recipe is simple to prepare, versatile, and delivers a vibrant, refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (natural)
Lemon Filling
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (natural)
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar (natural), and cold plant-based butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan to form an even base. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns golden and fragrant.
- Mix the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together fresh lemon juice (natural), granulated sugar (natural), chickpea flour, and natural gelling agent in a medium bowl. Add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and vanilla extract (natural), stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Lemon Filling: Once the crust is pre-baked, pour the lemon filling evenly over it. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Avoid over-baking to maintain the filling’s bright lemon flavor.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for a few hours until fully chilled and set. Use a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts, to slice into neat squares.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice (natural) for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Chill bars thoroughly to ensure the filling sets perfectly and slices cleanly.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling.
- Taste the filling before baking to balance sweetness and tartness as preferred.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon bars, plant-based dessert, gluten-free lemon bars, tangy lemon bars, easy lemon bars, vegan lemon bars