These Vegan Lemon Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, featuring a silky lemon filling on a buttery shortbread crust. Made with simple, dairy-free ingredients, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Chilling Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 bars
Calories 220 kcal
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 ½ cups 180g all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup 50g coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
- ½ cup 120g vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Filling
- 1 cup 240ml fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup 150g organic cane sugar or maple syrup
- 1 cup 240ml coconut cream (only the thick part from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric for natural yellow color, optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into the lined baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, sugar, coconut cream, cornstarch, turmeric, and vanilla.
Stir continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes). It should have a pudding-like consistency.
Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Chill & Serve
Let the bars cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
Once set, slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar (optional).
- For extra richness, add a pinch of sea salt to the filling.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, increase the cornstarch by 1 tbsp.
These vegan lemon bars are zesty, creamy, and refreshing—perfect for any lemon lover! 🍋✨Keyword dairy-free lemon dessert, easy vegan dessert, gluten-free lemon bars, healthy lemon bars, plant-based lemon bars, vegan lemon bars