Description
Bright and zesty Lemon Bars featuring a tangy citrus filling and a tender, crumbly plant-based crust. Naturally sweetened and made with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion, with vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, chilled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- Zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plant-based butter, and sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a lined or greased baking pan to form a solid base. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and slightly firm.
- Mix the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Gradually add the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to ensure the filling will set with a smooth and glossy finish. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural).
- Combine and Bake: Pour the lemon filling mixture evenly over the hot crust. Carefully return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set, firm, and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Lemon Bars to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the bars set fully for neat slicing. Once cooled, cut into squares or desired shapes for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best natural citrus oils and brightness.
- Allow the bars to chill thoroughly before slicing for cleaner cuts and ideal texture.
- Press the crust evenly and firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when serving.
- Spoon and level flour when measuring to avoid a dense crust.
- Only zest the yellow part of the lemon peel to avoid bitterness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Bars, Plant-Based Dessert, Citrus Bars, Vegan Baking, Gluten Free, Tangy Sweet Treat
