Description
Vegan Gluten-Free Lemon Bars offer a tangy, refreshing treat with a crumbly, gluten-free crust and silky lemon filling. Perfect for any occasion, they combine the right balance of tartness, sweetness, and creaminess to satisfy your sweet tooth while being completely vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/4 cup coconut flour (or almond flour)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
2–3 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
For the Lemon Filling:
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from the same lemons)
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or another non-dairy milk)
1/2 cup maple syrup (or another liquid sweetener)
1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Topping:
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
For the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: Combine the gluten-free flour, coconut flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted coconut oil. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a dough forms. Press into the prepared pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- For the Lemon Filling: Whisk together lemon juice, zest, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, turmeric (optional), and vanilla (optional) in a saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour the Filling: Pour the thickened lemon filling over the cooled crust and smooth with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm. Let cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- For Topping: Once set, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and slice into squares. Serve cold.
Notes
- Add mint or basil to the filling for a fresh twist.
- Use almond flour instead of coconut flour for a different flavor.
- Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener for a refined sugar-free version.
- For creamier filling, use cashew cream instead of coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
