Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Ingredients

FILLING

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup coconut cream* (the hardened portion at the top of full-fat coconut milk)

• 2 Tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch

• 1/2 cup lemon juice (2 large lemons yield ~1/2 cup)

• 1 heaping Tbsp lemon zest (1 large lemon yields ~1 heaping Tbsp)

• 1 pinch sea salt

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus more to taste)

• 2 Tbsp organic powdered sugar (optional // for topping)

CRUST

• 1 cup gluten free oats (or other, if GF is not your preferred choice)

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 2 Tbsp coconut sugar

• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

• 4-5 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)

Preparation

Equipment Needed:

Blender or food processor; mixing bowl; 8 x 8 baking pan

Step 1

Add raw cashews to a mixing bowl and cover with boiling hot water. Let rest for 1 hour (uncovered). Then drain thoroughly.

Step 2

In the meantime, preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 3

Add oats, almonds, sea salt, and coconut sugar to a high speed blender and mix on high until a fine meal is achieved.

Step 4

Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and add maple syrup and melted coconut oil, starting with lesser end of range (4 Tbsp// adjust if altering batch size) and adding more if it’s too dry. Stir with a spoon to combine until a loose dough is formed. You should be able to squeeze the mixture between two fingers and form a dough instead of it crumbling. If too dry, add a bit more melted coconut oil.

Step 5

Transfer mixture to parchment-lined baking pan and spread evenly. Then place parchment paper on top and use a flat-bottomed object, such as a drinking glass, to press down firmly until it’s evenly distributed and well packed.

Step 6

Bake for 15 minutes, then increase heat to 375 degrees and bake for 5-8 minutes more, or until the edges are golden brown and there is some browning on the surface. Remove from oven to cool slightly, then reduce oven heat to 350 degrees.

Step 7

Once cashews are soaked and drained, add to a high speed blender with coconut cream, arrowroot starch, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and maple syrup. Mix on high until very creamy and smooth.

Step 8

Taste and adjust flavor as needed. I added a bit more lemon zest and maple syrup. It should be very lemony, and not overly sweet.

Step 9

Pour filling over the pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer. Tap on counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 10

Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the edges look very slightly dry and the center appears "jiggly."

Step 11

Let rest for 10 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator to let cool completely (uncovered) – at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 12

To serve, slice and sift with powdered sugar (optional). Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, up to 4 days, though best within the first 2 days.