Description
Enjoy these tangy Lemon Bars with a tender, crumbly plant-based buttery crust and a zesty, smooth lemon filling made from fresh lemon juice and natural ingredients. Perfect as a light, refreshing dessert for any occasion, easy to customize, and made with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, melted
Lemon Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons natural gelling agent
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and plant-based butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the base of the pan to form an even layer. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Make the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), eggs, sugar, and natural gelling agent in a bowl until smooth and well combined to ensure the filling sets firmly after baking.
- Bake the Filling: Remove the crust from the oven once it is lightly golden. Pour the lemon filling carefully over the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set yet slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Lemon Bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up. Before slicing, dust the top with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for best flavor and zest impact.
- Do not overbake the filling to keep it creamy and soft.
- Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to easily remove bars without sticking.
- Adjust sugar amount based on the tartness of your lemons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon bars, lemon dessert, tangy lemon filling, plant-based crust, gluten-free dessert, easy lemon bars, citrus bars
