Vegan Lemon Squares (Recipe)

Are you in the mood for a delightful and tangy plant-based treat? Look no further than these Vegan Lemon Squares! This easy recipe combines a buttery shortbread crust with a luscious lemon filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you follow a vegan diet or simply enjoy healthy desserts, these dairy-free lemon bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Key Takeaways:

• These Vegan Lemon Squares are a delicious and healthy dessert option.
• The crust is made with melted vegan butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt.
• The lemon filling consists of lemon juice, sugar, coconut milk, cornstarch, and optionally turmeric for a vibrant color.
• These vegan lemon bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
• Try making these vegan lemon squares for your next summer party or special occasion.

Ingredients and Method for the Crust

To make the crust for the vegan lemon squares, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Vegan butter: Use melted vegan butter to achieve the desired buttery texture in your crust.
• Granulated sugar: Add sweetness to the crust with granulated sugar.
• All-purpose flour: Use all-purpose flour as the main dry ingredient in the crust.
• Salt: Enhance the flavors by including a pinch of salt.

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect crust:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Add the all-purpose flour to the bowl and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. The dough will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for a buttery and crispy crust.
4. Press the dough into a parchment-lined pan, making sure to spread it evenly.
5. Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it turns lightly golden on the edges.

This will create a delicious base for your vegan lemon squares, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients and Method for the Lemon Filling

The lemon filling for the vegan lemon squares is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, coconut milk, cornstarch, and optionally turmeric for color. In a medium saucepan, combine the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Whisk the mixture until the sugar and cornstarch are dissolved, then heat it over medium heat until it thickens. This will take about 5-10 minutes. The filling should have a thick and translucent consistency.

Once thickened, remove it from the heat and spread it evenly over the baked crust. Bake the bars again for 15 minutes, then let them cool before transferring to the refrigerator to set.

Tips and Variations for Vegan Lemon Squares

Enhance your vegan lemon squares with these tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you have gluten-free dietary restrictions, want to plan ahead, or simply elevate the presentation, these ideas will take your lemon bars to the next level.

Gluten-Free Option

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe to meet your needs. Although not personally tested, using a quality all-purpose gluten-free flour mix, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour, should work well for making these vegan lemon bars gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with the gluten-free flour mix, following the same measurements and instructions. This way, you can enjoy the delicious tanginess of vegan lemon squares without worrying about gluten.

Make-Ahead Convenience

Are you hosting a party or need a quick dessert option for the week? These vegan lemon squares can be prepared in advance, saving you time and allowing for stress-free entertaining. Follow the recipe as directed, then store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, so you can make them ahead and focus on enjoying the festivities or taking care of other important tasks.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to presenting your vegan lemon squares, the possibilities are endless. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your creativity:

• Dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Garnish each square with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of lemon peel for a pop of color.
• Serve the lemon squares with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan vanilla ice cream for a creamy and indulgent treat.
• Pair the bars with a hot cup of herbal tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade.

Feel free to experiment with your own serving ideas and toppings. The goal is to enhance the taste, visual appeal, and overall experience of enjoying these delightful vegan lemon squares.

So, whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a make-ahead dessert, or creative serving suggestions, these tips and variations will help you customize your vegan lemon squares to perfection. Now, let’s dive into the kitchen and make these zesty, tangy treats together!

Conclusion

These Vegan Lemon Squares are a delicious and satisfying dessert option for both vegans and non-vegans alike. With their tangy and sweet flavor, they are sure to please every palate. The combination of the buttery crust and the creamy lemon filling creates a delightful contrast of textures, making these squares a perfect indulgence.

What makes these lemon bars even better is that they can be easily made gluten-free, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delightful treat. Additionally, they can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for gatherings or meal planning.

So why not try making these simple lemon squares for your next summer party or special occasion? With their vibrant color and zesty flavor, they are sure to be a hit among your guests. Indulge in these homemade vegan treats and enjoy guilt-free dessert at its finest.