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.
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 8x8-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!