Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars—a perfectly tangy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as luscious as it is wholesome! These no-bake, gluten-free bars are a deliciously zesty twist on the classic, delivering all the satisfaction of lemony dessert with none of the dairy, eggs, or refined sugar. Trust me, they’re about to become your new go-to treat whenever you’re craving something fresh and indulgent!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars comes from a handful of real, honest ingredients—each chosen for their ability to add pop, flavor, and that signature creamy bite. Simple enough for everyday but special enough to wow your friends!

• Raw Cashews: When blended, soaked cashews transform into a silky, luxurious base that mimics a classic lemon custard—no dairy needed!
• Canned Coconut Cream: This adds richness and stability, creating that irresistible, creamy bite; make sure you use coconut cream (not milk) for best results.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that won’t overpower the fresh lemon zing, and it keeps everything refined-sugar free.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: For zing! Use real lemons for bright, sunny flavor and that unmistakable freshness.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and brings gorgeous color specks to the bars.
• Coconut Oil: Helps the filling set up perfectly once chilled and adds another subtle layer of tropical richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances out the tang and makes everything more luscious.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together, heightening the sweetness and acidity.
• No-Bake Vegan Pie Crust: The sturdy, sweet, and slightly nutty base (see recipe notes!) that’s every bit as important as the filling.

Variations

One of the joys of Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars is just how easy they are to customize! Don’t be shy—mix things up to fit your pantry, your cravings, or a fun new twist on an old favorite.

• Berry Swirl: Drop dollops of raspberry or blueberry puree on top before chilling, then swirl for fruity, Instagram-ready bars.
• Coconut-Lime Bars: Swap the lemon juice and zest for lime and add a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor explosion!
• Nut-Free: Try using soaked sunflower seeds in place of cashews for a totally nut-free version—just know the flavor will change a little.
• Graham Cracker Crust: If you’re not gluten-free, try a vegan graham cracker crust for nostalgic cookie flavor, no baking required.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

To get the signature creamy texture, start by soaking raw cashews in boiling water for an hour. This softens them up perfectly so they blend ultra-smooth. If you’re planning ahead, you can soak them overnight in room temperature water for exactly the same result—your future self will thank you!

Step 2: Prepare the No-Bake Crust

While your cashews are softening, whip up your favorite No-Bake Vegan Pie Crust and press it firmly into a parchment-lined 8 or 9-inch pan. Don’t forget to let the parchment paper hang over the edges for easy lifting later—trust me, it’s a game changer at cleanup time.

Step 3: Blend the Lemon Filling

Drain your soaked cashews well, then add them to a high-speed blender with coconut cream, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice and zest, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and almost glossy—a taste test at this stage is irresistible (and encouraged!).

Step 4: Assemble & Chill

Pour the creamy lemon filling over your prepared crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. For the dreamiest bars, let the pan chill overnight in your fridge. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the freezer for 3 hours to set up quickly. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Step 5: Slice & Enjoy

Once the bars are set, simply lift them out by the parchment edges and use a sharp knife to slice into perfect squares. These Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars can be enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge, or slightly frozen for an extra-refreshing bite.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, try dusting Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars with a little powdered sugar (use organic or homemade to keep things vegan), delicate curls of lemon zest, or a few fresh berries scattered over the top—simple, pretty, and oh-so-appetizing.

Side Dishes

Pair these sunshiney bars with your favorite fruit salad, a strong cup of espresso, or even dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a refreshingly cool, café-style dessert platter. They’re also dreamy beside a platter of fresh strawberries or a handful of salty roasted nuts!

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into tiny “petit fours” squares and pile them on a tiered tray for afternoon tea, or layer crumbled bars and coconut whipped cream in mini glasses for stunning vegan lemon parfaits. For parties, add little edible flowers on top for a beautiful, spring-inspired display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The filling stays luscious, and the crust won’t get soggy—making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!

Freezing

Want to stash some sunshine for later? Freeze individual bars on a baking tray, then slip them into a zip-top bag or sealed container. They’ll keep up to two months—just let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These bars are best served cold or at room temp. If frozen, let them stand out for 10–15 minutes and enjoy—the filling will soften to the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself craving a dessert that’s light, luscious, and bursting with fresh flavor, I can’t recommend these Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars enough. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and they bring pure sunshine to any gathering. Give them a try—and feel free to share your beautiful results!

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