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Two vegan Lemon Squares stacked. Lemon and tea in background.

Vegan Lemon Squares

Vegan Lemon Squares are the perfect recipe to make for a delightful, citrusy treat! With a crisp, buttery crust and a luscious lemony filling, these lemon squares are a delicious and easy lemon dessert. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a homemade dessert, this gluten-free dessert is sure to be a big hit. Follow the recipe and whip up a batch today of these lemon bars and you can enjoy the zesty and sweet flavors of this treat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegan butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • pinch of salt

For the lemon filling:

  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • zest from 1 lemon (optional)
  • powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a food processor, combine the gluten-free oats, almond flour and pinch of salt. Then add the maple syrup and coconut oil or vegan butter for the crust. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and starts to come together.
  • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and turmeric. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice, vanilla and non-dairy milk until smooth.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest.
  • Pour the lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the lemon squares to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before slicing.
  • Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the lemon squares into squares or bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
  • Enjoy your gluten-free vegan lemon squares as a refreshing and tangy treat! Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference by tweaking the amount of sugar or lemon juice.