Luscious Vegetarian Coconut-Lemon Bars Recipe 🥥🍋

Description:

Bringing back the nostalgia of grandma’s coconut and lemon pies, these Luscious Vegetarian Coconut-Lemon Bars are the perfect fusion of two beloved flavors in a convenient bar form! With a crispy crust and a creamy, tangy filling, they are ideal for dessert or a midday snack. The cooking time includes the crucial setting period, ensuring the bars hold their shape perfectly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Lunch/Snacks, Cookie & Brownie, Coconut, Fruit, Nuts, Weeknight, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

1/2 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons agar
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup raw sugar
1/3 cup margarine
2 tablespoons arrowroot
1 cup reduced-fat coconut milk
1 lemon (zested)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened dried shredded coconut, plus extra for topping

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 198.3
Fat: 9.7g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 62mg
Carbohydrates: 27.6g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 17.4g
Protein: 1.7g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Lemon Mixture:

Grate the zest from 2 large or 3 medium lemons, then squeeze the lemons to obtain 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Combine the lemon juice and agar flakes in a small saucepan (for stove method) or a 2-cup heatproof measuring cup (for microwave method). Let it sit for 15 minutes until the agar softens.

2. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease an 8×8 baking pan.

3. Make Crumb Base:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of raw sugar.
Cut the margarine into small chunks and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to blend until it resembles small crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned at the edges. Allow the base to cool.

4. Prepare Lemon Filling:

If using the stove method, place the saucepan with the lemon and agar on medium-low heat. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally until the agar dissolves.
If using the microwave method, microwave the lemon mixture on high for 1 minute. Remove, stir, and continue microwaving at 30-second intervals until the agar dissolves.
In a separate saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of raw sugar with arrowroot powder. Add the coconut milk and stir. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add the lemon juice mixture, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and let it cool for 15 minutes.

5. Set and Serve:

Lightly press toasted coconut onto the surface of the cooled filling.
Allow the pan to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to let the mixture set completely.
Once set, either serve the bars immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Before serving, bring the bars to room temperature, dust with powdered sugar, slice into 12 bars, and enjoy!

6. Note:

It’s crucial to use fresh agar flakes for proper setting. Perform a test by chilling a spoonful of the lemon mixture for 15 minutes. It should firm up. If not, add more agar and repeat the test until the desired consistency is achieved.

These Luscious Vegetarian Coconut-Lemon Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant citrus flavor and coconut undertones, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the taste of nostalgia with every bite! 🥥🍋