Vegan Lemon Bars

 I made these for Mother's Day for a friend and their lemon flavor is outstanding. They're not as custardy as non but I loved the crust (total perfection) and the topping was still just a lemony tall bite of goodness. She loved them and so did I. 

via https://www.noracooks.com/vegan-lemon-bars/

SHORTBREAD CRUST:

• ▢ 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted (I love country crock plant based olive oil butter)
• ▢ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup all purpose flour
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt

LEMON FILLING:

• ▢ 3/4 cup lemon juice, from about 4 large lemons
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 1/4 cups full fat coconut milk, using mostly the white part (just from one can, only leave a about a cup of clearish liquid left in a cup)
• ▢ 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• ▢ tiny pinch of turmeric, optional for color (1/8th teaspoon)

FOR SERVING:

• ▢ powdered sugar, for dusting the tops
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8 by 8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
• Make the crust: In a medium bowl, add the mix together the melted vegan butter, sugar and salt. Add the flour and stir until combined. The dough will be thick. Press it into the pan with your hands, evenly and firmly. Bake for 16-18 minutes until the edges are very lightly browned. Set aside.
• Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, add the lemon juice, lemon zest if using for even more lemon flavor, sugar, coconut milk and cornstarch + tiny pinch of turmeric for color, if desired. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens. (see photos in post above for reference)
• Spread the filling over the crust evenly, using a spatula if needed to smooth. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator for an additional 1-2 hours, or overnight, until set.
• Lift the bars out of the pan with the parchment paper, dust generously with powdered sugar and cut into 16 squares. 
• Leftover bars will keep for up to 1 week in a covered container in the refrigerator. They freeze well, too. Enjoy!