Luscious Vegetarian Lemon Bars ๐
Description: You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these! However, they are a great option for anyone on a no/low cholesterol regimen since they are egg-free. These lemon bars boast a luscious lemon filling on a crisp crust, perfect for dessert or a sweet treat anytime.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Calories: 149.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 59.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 25.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 16.9g
- Protein Content: 1.3g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | Lemon juice |
| 3 | Agar flakes |
| 1/2 | cup Unbleached all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 | cup Whole wheat pastry flour |
| 1 | cup Raw sugar |
| 1/3 | cup Margarine |
| 2 | tbsp Arrowroot |
| 1 | cup Reduced-fat coconut milk |
| 2 | Lemons, zest of |
| To taste | Powdered sugar |
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Grate the zest from 2 large or 3 medium lemons, then squeeze the lemons to obtain the 1/2 cup lemon juice for the recipe.
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Soften Agar: Combine lemon juice and agar flakes in a small non-reactive saucepan (for stove method) or a 2-cup heatproof measuring cup (for microwave method) and set aside for 15 minutes or until the agar has softened.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease an 8×8 baking pan.
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Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup sugar. Add margarine in small chunks and cut in with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles small crumbs. Press crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake Crust: Bake for about 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven or until lightly browned at the edges. Let the crumb base cool.
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Prepare Lemon Mixture: If using the stove method, place the saucepan with the lemon and agar on the burner and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Simmer, whisking every few minutes, until the agar dissolves, about 10 minutes. If using the microwave, place the heatproof measuring cup with the lemon mixture into the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Remove the cup from the microwave and stir. Continue to cook the mixture on high at 30-second intervals, stirring well after each time, until the agar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
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Prepare Filling: In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar with the arrowroot powder. Add the coconut milk and stir together. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stir, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon juice mixture and the lemon zest.
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Assemble and Set: Pour the lemon filling into the baking pan on top of the crust and let it set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
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Serve or Chill: At this point, either serve the lemon bars or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring the bars to room temperature before serving.
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Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, slice into 12 bars, and serve.
Tips:
- Ensure fresh agar flakes for optimal setting power.
- Test agar mixture’s firmness before pouring over crust.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
These luscious vegetarian lemon bars are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on flavor or texture. Enjoy them as a dessert or snack, and share the goodness with friends and family!
