No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars
These No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars are a refreshingly tangy, light, and completely plant-based dessert that requires no oven. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they balance sweet and tart flavors perfectly with a crunchy nutty crust and creamy lemon filling. Ideal for vegan, gluten-free, and clean-eating lifestyles, they offer a guilt-free indulgence anytime.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Plant-Based / Vegan
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
For the Crust:
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted, soft and ripe)
- 1 cup almonds or cashews
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseed meal (to thicken)
- Prepare the Crust: Blend the Medjool dates and almonds or cashews in a food processor until the mixture is crumbly and sticks together when pressed. This forms the crunchy and sturdy base for the bars.
- Press the Crust: Line a square pan with parchment paper. Firmly press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a compact, even layer that will hold together when sliced.
- Make the Filling: In a blender, combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut cream, maple syrup or agave, vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and optional chia seeds or flaxseed meal. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, creating a luscious, dairy-free lemon custard.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Evenly pour the creamy lemon filling over the prepared crust. Smooth the surface with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 4 hours or until the filling firms up enough to slice cleanly into bars without baking.
Notes
- Use ripe Medjool dates for easier blending and better crust binding.
- Press the crust mixture firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Always use fresh lemons for authentic and intense citrus flavor.
- Taste the filling before chilling; add more maple syrup if a milder tartness is preferred.
- Chill the bars well and use a warm knife to slice for clean edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan lemon bars, no bake lemon bars, gluten free dessert, plant-based lemon bars, healthy lemon bars, dairy free lemon bars, easy vegan dessert