Description
Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with this easy Lemon Bars recipe featuring a crisp crust and zesty lemon filling. These delightful treats combine a buttery, crunchy plant-based crust and a smooth citrus topping that is both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for casual snacks or special occasions, these Lemon Bars impress with bright flavor and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (natural)
- A pinch of salt
Lemon Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar (natural)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup plant-based eggs (or equivalent vegan egg replacer)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar (natural), and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Cut the plant-based butter into small pieces and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden, creating a firm, crisp base.
- Make the lemon filling: Whisk together granulated sugar (natural), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, plant-based eggs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent. This combination forms the smooth, tangy filling that beautifully balances sweetness and acidity.
- Bake the filling: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a creamy yet firm texture once cooled.
- Cool and slice: Let the lemon bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar (natural) if desired for a pretty finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to achieve the perfect dough texture and smooth filling consistency.
- Always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize flavor vibrancy.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling after baking.
- Avoid overbaking the filling to keep it silky and luscious.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean, neat edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Bars, Citrus Dessert, Plant-based, Vegan, Gluten Free, Tangy, Sweet, Easy Dessert