Made without any eggs or butter, check out these vegan meyer lemon bars that start with a lemon curd base, thickened with coconut milk, seated on a coconut oil shortbread crust.
Thought a delicious, creamy and tart lemon curd could not be pulled off without eggs or butter? Think again! These citrus bars are a true delight for all eaters. 
We know it can be hard to find great vegan desserts, but we have many more! Click here for more delicious recipes.
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
Ingredients
For The Shortbread:
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- ½ tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp water
- Pinch of salt
For The Lemon Curd:
- 1 cup canned light coconut milk
- ½ cup Meyer lemon juice (about 2 large)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2½ tbsp corn starch
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tbsp confectioners’ sugar (to taste)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1-2 tsp natural vanilla extract (to taste)
Instructions
- To prepare the shortbread
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper
- In a medium bowl, cream together coconut oil and granulated sugar for about one minute. Add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla and continue beating for another minute, until creamy
- Reduce speed, add flour, water and salt and mix until just incorporated
- Using your hands, pull the mix together to form a dough
- Press the dough as evenly as possible onto the lined pan, so it slightly comes up the sides. Prick the dough with a fork several times (this will prevent it from bubbling up)
- Bake at 325F for about 30-33 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely
- In the meantime, prepare the lemon curd. Combine coconut milk, lemon juice, maple syrup, corn starch and salt in a small sauce pan and whisk well. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and cook until it thickens ( this should take about 5-6 minutes), whisking often
- Remove from heat and whisk in confectioners’ sugar, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes
- Pour the lemon curd over the shortbread crust and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Cut into bars
- Category: Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of coconut milk for the lemon curd?
You can substitute coconut milk with any non-dairy milk, but keep in mind that the texture and creaminess may vary. Full-fat almond or cashew milk can work well for a richer flavor.
How do I ensure my coconut oil shortbread crust doesn’t crumble?
Make sure to thoroughly mix the coconut oil with the flour until it’s well combined and crumbly, but not too dry. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a solid base.
Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons in this recipe?
Yes, you can use regular lemons, but the flavor will be more tart. You may want to adjust the sugar to balance the acidity.
