Go Back
–+ servings
Numerous vegan lemon squares on an upside down baking tray on a marble surface. Slice of lemon and a lemon zester are in the background.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Vegan Lemon Bars

Creamy vegan lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust for the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
Prep Time4 hours
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time4 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 12
Author: Deryn Macey

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour 180 g
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar 67 g
  • ½ cup vegan butter softened, 113 g

For the Lemon Filling

  • 1 ⅓ cup raw cashews 250 g
  • 1 cup coconut cream 235 mL
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch 25 g
  • ½ cup + 3 tablespoons lemon juice 122 mL
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup 113 g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 mL
  • 3 teaspoons lemon zest
  • pinch of turmeric for colour

Instructions

  • Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak in the fridge or covered at room temperature for at least 4 hours up to overnight (recommended 12 hours or overnight if you do not have a high-speed blender). 
  • When you're ready to proceed, preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper so it sticks out over at least two of the edges. This will help with easy removal after baking.
  • Mix all of the crust ingredients together with a spoon or a food processor until you get a moldable dough. You can add an additional 1-2 tbsp vegan butter if the dough seems too dry. 
  • Use your hands to evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish, firmly working it into all of the corners.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. If you turned the oven off while waiting for the crust to cool, preheat to 350 F.
  • Drain and rinse the soaked cashews then add them to a high-speed blender along with the rest of the lemon cream ingredients.
  • Once the crust has cooled, pour the lemon cream on top and bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, until the centre is set. 
  • Allow to cool completely at room temperature and then transfer to the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting and serving. Serve with a light dusting of sifted powdered sugar on top, if desired.

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g