Introduction:
Step into the realm of indulgence with our Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars—a harmonious marriage of zesty citrus and velvety richness. As a testament to mindful dessert creation, these bars boast a luscious texture and vibrant flavor profile without compromising on health-conscious choices. Join us on a journey through the art of crafting these delectable bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings guilt-free.
Ingredients Symphony:
For the Crust:
- Medjool Dates (9, pitted):
- A natural sweetener and binder, Medjool dates provide the foundation for the sticky, delightful crust.
- Walnuts (1 cup):
- Imbuing a rich nuttiness, walnuts contribute to the crust’s texture and add a depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Whole Rolled Oats (¾ cup):
- Providing structure to the crust, gluten-free rolled oats offer a wholesome touch.
- Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon):
- Elevating the overall taste, a pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the crust’s savory notes.
- Filtered Water (1 to 2 tablespoons):
- A touch of filtered water ensures the crust achieves the perfect sticky consistency.
For the Filling:
- Coconut Cream (1 can, 14 ounces):
- The luxurious base, coconut cream contributes to the creamy texture, adding a hint of tropical decadence.
- Raw Cashews (1 ¼ cups):
- A key element for creaminess, raw cashews are blended to perfection, providing a silky, smooth texture.
- Lemon Zest (2 tablespoons):
- Zest from fresh lemons infuses a burst of citrusy aroma, intensifying the lemony essence.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (⅓ cup):
- The star ingredient, fresh lemon juice imparts a vibrant, tart flavor, setting the stage for a citrus symphony.
- Maple Syrup (⅓ cup):
- A natural sweetener, maple syrup complements the tartness, adding a nuanced sweetness to the filling.
- Sea Salt (⅛ teaspoon):
- A pinch of sea salt harmonizes the flavors, creating a well-balanced and sophisticated taste.
Melodic Instructions:
- Crust Crescendo:
- Begin by pulsing together dates, walnuts, oats, and salt in a food processor until a sticky ball forms. Gradually add filtered water as needed.
- Pan Harmony:
- Line a 7 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and press the crust into the pan, ensuring an even layer. Freeze while preparing the filling.
- Filling Overture:
- Blend coconut cream, cashews, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt in a high-speed blender until a velvety smooth consistency is achieved.
- Culmination in Freezing Symphony:
- Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust and freeze overnight. Before serving, let it thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Equipment Serenade:
- Food Processor
- Blender
Notes from the Culinary Sonata:
- Ensure the use of coconut cream rather than coconut milk for the desired richness.
- A splash of vanilla extract can be added to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Crescendo:
- The sublime result of this culinary creation yields bars with the following nutritional values:
- Calories: 217 kcal
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.8 g
- Fiber: 6.4 g
- Protein: 8.7 g
Sensual Delectation:
- Revel in the lusciousness of these Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars—a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Savor the richness, the zesty allure, and the guilt-free pleasure that each bite offers. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed in solitary indulgence, these bars redefine the boundaries of plant-based desserts.
Pro Tips for a Harmonious Culinary Experience:
- Balancing Act: Achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Texture Play: Experiment with the crust’s texture by varying the amount of water added during the pulsing process.
- Garnish Grace: Elevate the visual appeal by garnishing with additional lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Conclusion:
- Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of our Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars, where each layer and flavor note is crafted with precision. A celebration of plant-based decadence, these bars invite you to experience dessert in its purest, most indulgent form. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this symphony of taste and texture, and let each bite be a testament to the artistry of conscious dessert creation.
Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars
Prep Time 25minutes mins
Freezing Time 8hours hrs
Total Time 8hours hrs 25minutes mins
Servings 16 bars
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Ingredients
Crust
- 9 soft Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup walnuts
- ¾ cup gluten-free whole rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons filtered water
Filling
- 1 14- ounce can coconut cream see notes!
- 1 ¼ cups raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a food processor, place the dates, walnuts, oats, and salt and process until the mixture comes together into a sticky ball. If necessary, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
- Line a 7 x 9-inch or 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and press the crust to the edges of the pan. The crust is very sticky, so I like to use a sheet of parchment paper on top to help smooth it out. Place the pan in the freezer while you make the filling.
- Make the filling: In a high-speed blender, puree the coconut cream, cashews, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and freeze overnight. Let thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing into bars and serving.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Blender
Recipe Notes
- Recipe from Love & Lemons Every Day by Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Matthews.
- Be sure to use coconut cream as opposed to the milk!
- These instructions are directly from the book! The only thing I added was a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.
Creamy vegan lemon bars are naturally gluten-free and loaded with tart and zesty lemon flavour. Rich, delicious, and naturally sweetened.