VEGAN LEMON BARS

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per bar

Time to Complete: About 1 hour (15 minutes prep, 25-30 minutes baking, 15 minutes cooling)

Level of Ease: Moderate

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, solid (not melted)

Ingredients for the Lemon Filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional toppings:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F  (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the solid coconut oil  using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse  crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into  the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep the  oven on.
• Prepare the Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Pour this mixture over the baked crust.
• Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang.
• Cool Completely and Dust: Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
• Cut and Serve: Slice into 12 bars and serve.

Tips:

• Coconut Oil: Ensure the coconut oil is solid, as this will help achieve the crumbly texture necessary for the crust.
• Chilling: For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavors.
• Storage: Store these lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.