Description
Easy Lemon Bars with a bright, tangy citrus filling and a tender, buttery crust. Perfectly balanced and quick to prepare, these plant-based lemon bars are ideal for any occasion and feature a natural gelling agent for a smooth, creamy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and chilled plant-based butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden and fragrant. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined. This mixture will create the signature tangy and creamy lemon filling.
- Combine and Bake Again: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set with a slight jiggle and firm to the touch. Monitor closely to maintain a silky texture and avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Slice: Let the lemon bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles. Chill before serving for clean, easy cuts.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and vibrant aroma.
- Do not overmix the crust ingredients to keep it tender and flaky.
- Allow the crust to cool before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
- Check the filling readiness by gently testing with a toothpick.
- Chill the lemon bars prior to slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon bars, citrus dessert, plant-based dessert, easy lemon bars, lemon bars recipe, tangy dessert
