These chewy lemon squares are a family favourite that I’ve been making for years. To be honest, I’ll probably make the vegan version from now own, these were THAT good. As per the non-vegan version, these are very lemony, so you must LOVE lemon.
For the non-Vegan version, please click here.
Vegan Lemon Squares
Original recipe adapted from Company’s Coming, Squares by Jean Pare.
Makes 1 pan 9″ x 9″
Ingredients for Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegan margarine
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions for Shortbread Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Line a 9″ x 9″ square pan with parchment (it makes it easier to lift out to cut).
- Crumble the margarine and coconut oil into the flour, sugar until mealy (you can save time and pulse this in a food processor, metal; blades).
- Press into a prepared 9×9 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
Ingredients for Chewy Lemon Topping:
- 2 vegan eggs (I used this recipe: 2 tbsp ground flax seeds + 6 tbsp warm water (whisk together and allow to sit for 5 minutes))
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon oil
- 6 drops yellow food colouring (optional)
Directions for Chewy Lemon Topping:
- Stir together all of the ingredients. (I successfully left this on the counter while the shortbread pastry was baking and it seemed to thicken even more!)
- Spread over shortbread base evenly. Bake at 350° F (177° C) for additional 30 minutes, until set in the centre and golden in colour.
- Lift out of the pan using the handy parchment. Cool and cut into squares, or bars. Serve at room temperature.
Notes:
- I was concerned that the flax would impart a flavour but the coconut and lemon flavourings were enough to mask it. To be honest, you can’t tell that these are Vegan.
- You can use other Vegan egg alternatives, I just can’t predict how this recipe will behave with them. The blog I linked it to explains real egg behaviour in baking very well so you can make informed decisions on alternatives.
What’s not to love about a lemon bar, Eva. I certainly cannot come up with anything. As one of shortbread’s biggest fans, I cannot imagine how tasty these must be with their shortbread base. It sounds almost too good to be true.
How are things on the snow front? We’ve yet to have anything appreciable and, according to a forecaster this evening, we’ve gotten 33 minutes of sun in the last 10 days. A white Christmas? How about sunlight on Christmas? 🙂
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I hear you John, the lack of sunlight really affects me too. In fact I’m thinking of getting one of those energy lights. No white xmas for us sadly, they’re predicting 10F tomorrow!
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You know, I think it was your delightful series of vegan posts which caused me to question something the other day – margarine like sunflower spread, etc…. is that all vegan? I had never considered it before but I suppose it must be, right? I mean, there’s no dairy in it as far as I know…?! If I had to cook vegan then that realization would open up a lot of new opportunities (although I won’t be laying down my butter any time soon). These do look good though – I like the layers… I bet the lemon flavour was lovely.
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Hi Charles. In theory, yes those vegetable based margarines are indeed vegan but as i understand it, being vegan goes deeper than just the specific food; I read a comment about a margarine being produced by a company whose practices outside the vegan product line were irresponsible and cruel to animals. I guess it depends on how vegan a person is. I agree, I’m not about to give up my cheese or butter any time soon, but it was a great experience.
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Oh, for sure, hence the whole leather thing and so forth – I can totally understand it.
I have met but one vegan of late and he’s completely soured my “tolerance” of them so to speak. I have nothing against anyone. People can choose whatever diet they like, but this guy was positively militant. Telling us we were all murderers and that we should deserve the same punishment for slaughtering a cow than if we’d murdered a human.
He was getting so angry and aggressive… in the middle of a class as well… I had to just leave in shock in the end.
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That sucks Charles, live and let live is my motto but that dude would have rubbed me the wrong way too. I have known a few vegan people and they are all lovely.
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I love finding Vegan versions of my favorite baking recipes. These look lovely and I’d have no problem with lots of lemon flavor! xx
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I always thought that you needed eggs for the filling but clearly you don’t. They look great Eva! 😀
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Thanks Lorraine, the flax “eggs” performed perfectly in this recipe. It’s good to keep in mind in case you run out of eggs for a recipe (in this case they acted as a binder).
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Such gorgeous lemon bars! And I’m thrilled they have coconut included!
P.S. You’re welcome to enter the giveaway using your friend’s address 🙂
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I do LOVE lemon, so I’m in! These look great and I’m digging a real vegan dessert option. I wouldn’t have thought with vegan eggs this would match the real thing, but if you’re willing to change up an annual recipe, they must be good!
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[…] You have been sharing with us some great vegan recipes. I didn’t know you could use flaxseeds in that way. I do love a vegan recipe that you can’t tell is vegan xx Talkwalker Alert: 50 results for ["vegan recipe"] […]
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A great vegan bar recipe, Eva. All the vegans out there can’t thank YOU enough for this beautiful and easy sweet treat.
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Your lemon squares are party perfect, I have such a soft spot for lemon! 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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You have been sharing with us some great vegan recipes. I didn’t know you could use flaxseeds in that way. I do love a vegan recipe that you can’t tell is vegan xx
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… lemon squares, or lemon bars or lemon cake or lemon. Well, I’m you know what’s on my mind right now.
But first, I have to get dressed and go out and buy milk cause I haven’t had coffee since yesterday morning and right now, HEADS ARE GOING TO ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Perfect! Thanks!
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Eva, these look awesome. One question: in your photos, the squares look like they have a crust on the bottom, lemon topping in the middle, plus more crust on top? Or is it just like you indicate in your directions – crust on the bottom, lemon topping on top?
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Hi Michaela, its just the two layers, the coconut acts as a third eventhough its mixed into thr top layer.
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I love lemon so these would be a real treat for me. I didn’t know you’d moved to the vegan side either. I just thought there were a few new recipes. I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas!
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Sounds delicious… truly delicious. Did I miss something? You’ve now a vegan?
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