Vegan Lemon Bars (Tangy + Creamy)

These Vegan Lemon Bars are a great treat to make for summertime gatherings or anytime you need a little pick-me-up!

I have to admit I was skeptical about whether or not I’d love the taste of Lemon bars due to their intense lemon-y filling, but these adorable lemon squares exceeded all my expectations. The flavors are so vibrant and well-balanced, and the texture is spot-on. From the first time I made them, I was hooked!

These tangy, creamy squares are bursting with the zesty goodness of real lemons. The crust is buttery, crumbly, and sweet, providing the perfect contrast to the smooth, velvety filling.

How to make Vegan Lemon Bars

To prepare the crust, whisk together the flour, vegan butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add the melted coconut oil, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbly mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake the crust for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, water, and vegan butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Wait for both the crust pan and filling to cool completely. Pour the filling over the baked crust. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or until set. Sprinkle powdered sugar over pan. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you don’t have turmeric, you can omit it. The lemon bars will still be delicious.
• For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the top of each bar before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

More Fun Treats

• Homemade Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
• Vegan Apple Pie

Vegan Lemon Bars

These Vegan Lemon Bars are a great treat to make for summertime gatherings or anytime you need a little pick-me-up! Ready in just over an hour.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold vegan butter cut into cubes
• 8 tablespoons coconut oil melted

Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup lemon juice or ~3 lemons
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
• Make the crust: In a mixer or large bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the vegan butter using a pastry cutter or two knives and slowly add in the melted coconut oil until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges lightly golden brown.
• While the crust is baking, make the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, water, and vegan butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using.
• Wait for both the crust pan and filling to cool completely.
• Pour the filling over the baked crust. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or until set.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar over pan. Cut into bars and enjoy!