Description
These easy, zesty Lemon Bars combine a buttery crust with a tangy lemon filling made from fresh lemons and plant-based ingredients. Their delightful balance of sweet and tart makes them perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you crave a light and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, cold
Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (natural)
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar (natural). Cut in the cold plant-based butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the base of the pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and set.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar (natural), eggs, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined. The lemon filling should be bright and slightly thickened.
- Bake the filling: Pour the lemon mixture over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center to ensure a creamy finish when cooled.
- Cool and slice: Allow the lemon bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Once chilled, use a sharp, warm knife to cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best bright and natural acidity.
- Chill the plant-based butter before mixing to create a flakier crust.
- Avoid overbaking the filling to keep it creamy and moist.
- Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes removal easier and keeps edges neat.
- Allow lemon bars to cool fully to enhance texture when slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon bars, plant-based dessert, citrus dessert, easy lemon bars, gluten free lemon bars
