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Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These bright and tangy Lemon Bars feature a luscious lemon filling atop a rich, crumbly plant-based buttery crust. With simple pantry ingredients and a perfect balance of sweet and tart, this easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion and is suitable for various dietary preferences.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 cup cold plant-based butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent

Finishing Touch

  • Powdered sugar (plant-based), for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the cold plant-based butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press the mixture firmly into a greased baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Mix the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, fresh lemon zest, eggs, granulated sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Ensure the mixture is blended smoothly for a silky custard texture.
  3. Pour and Bake: After the crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  4. Cooling and Finishing Touches: Allow the Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan to set perfectly. Once cooled, dust the top with plant-based powdered sugar, then slice into neat squares for serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the brightest and most natural flavor.
  • Do not overbake; the filling should be slightly jiggly in the center to avoid dryness.
  • Chill the bars before slicing to help set the filling and allow cleaner cuts.
  • Press the crust evenly for consistent baking and a sturdy base.
  • For an even smoother filling, bake the bars in a hot water bath by placing the baking pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lemon bars, plant-based dessert, citrus dessert, easy lemon bars, homemade lemon bars, tangy dessert, gluten-free lemon bars, vegetarian dessert