Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Prepared and photographed by NutraMilk nutritionist, Florencia Tagliavini.

Recipe by Minimalist Baker.

INGREDIENTS

For filling

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup coconut cream (make sure you use the hardened portion at the top of full-fat coconut milk)
• 2 tbsp. arrowroot or cornstarch
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (approx. 2 large lemons)
• 1 tbsp. lemon zest
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus more to taste)
• 2 tbsp. organic powdered sugar (optional - for topping)

For crust

• 1 cup gluten-free oats
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup
• 4-5 tbsp. coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• Add oats, almonds, sea salt, and coconut sugar to the NutraMilk container and press Mix cycle for one minute, until a fine meal is achieved.
• Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and add maple syrup and melted coconut oil, starting with 4 tbsp., 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.
• 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.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then increase heat to 375 F (190 C) 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 F (176 C).
• Place cashews in the NutraMilk container and press Butter Cycle for approximately 4 minutes, until cashew butter is made.
• Add coconut cream, arrowroot starch, lemon juice, lemon zest, sea salt, and maple syrup to the NutraMilk container and press Mix Cycle, until very creamy and smooth.
• Taste and adjust flavor as needed. You can add more lemon zest and/or maple syrup. It should be very lemony, and not overly sweet.
• Pour filling over the pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer. Tap on counter to remove any air bubbles.
• Bake for 20-23 minutes or until the edges look very slightly dry and the center appears “jiggly” but not liquidy.
• Let rest for 10 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator to let cool completely (uncovered) - at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• 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. Enjoy!