Lemon bars have always been a favorite dessert of mine.
My mom got me hooked on them as a little girl, and I pine for them whenever I cruise by a bakery display...out of desire necessity is born a recipe! 😀
This raw version is made up of a chewy, sweet, and slightly tangy bottom layer topped with a rich and creamy layer of lemon-y goodness...the sweetness offsets the lemon enough to keep you from puckering, while still maintaining the citrus flavor that makes these bars so fresh and clean.
Thick Raw Lemon Bars
Ingredients
- BASE:
- 1 c. walnuts or pecans
- ¼ c. unsweetened coconut
- 6 large soft dates (I used Medjool)
- ¼ t. salt
- 1 T. lemon zest
- ½ t. water as needed for combining
- FILLING:
- 6 T. coconut oil
- 3 T. coconut butter
- 3 T. maple syrup or raw honey
- 3 T. lemon juice
- 2 t. lemon zest
- 9 drops stevia to taste (or another 2-3 teaspoons of liquid sweetener)
- dash of turmeric for color (optional)
Instructions
- Process together the ingredients for the bottom layer (add a little water if necessary to bring everything together).
- Make sure it is well combined, and press it into a small glass dish (I used a 7 x 5 inch Pyrex dish).
- Gently melt together the coconut oil with the coconut butter.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients, adding stevia to taste.
- Pour atop the bottom layer.
- Place into the fridge or freezer until set.
- Cut and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I have literally sat on my couch with a dish of these bars and a spoon and ate half of the pan! They are so addictive and surprisingly light that I didn't even feel heavy after eating them.
...the obligatory bite shot...
My husband and I often fight over these, so they tend to get hidden stored in the vegetable drawer where certain bridegrooms don't ever venture. Teehee.
What's your favorite bakery pastry?
I also love the huge cookies!...oatmeal raisin is my favorite. 🙂
Chris
Hi!
Can I use coconut flour instead of coconut flakes?
Lauren
I don't think that would work, as coconut flour is really absorbent. It's just a different animal, so to speak, and doesn't substitute well.
Doreen Larson
I made the raw lemon bar recipe and because I Could not find coconut butter in the stores I used butter instead of coconut butter. Everything was exactly the ingredient of the recipe. After chilling about an hour in the frig, I Cut a tiny piece to sample. The bottom layer was too soft and runny, and the thick top layer was hard and similar to solid coconut oil. What did I do wrong? The base seemed perfect when I formed it in the pan. Everything was room temperature when placed in the pan.
I will appreciate knowing how to get it right after all the positive comments on your site.
Lauren
Hi Doreen,
I've never used regular butter in this recipe, so I imagine that had a lot to do with your negative results! Using something like cashew or almond butter would be more equivalent to the coconut. The butter is more akin to coconut oil, not coconut butter.
Doreen Larson
Thank you, Lauren, for your suggestion. I will try to locate actual coconut butter, and if not I will try almond butter. :-))
Ashley Creason
These taste great! However, mine didn't stick together very well- kinda separated into two layers when I cut them- Also the top layer didn't look as opaque as yours. Any advice?
Lauren
Hi Ashley,
You could try not letting the bottom layer become too solid before adding the top layer. Not sure about the look of it, but if they tasted good, that's what's important I think. 🙂
Laura
They don't just look amazing. They are amazing. I find so many recipes can please the eye and the pallet and still be considered healthy. These do all of the above.
Thanks
Lauren
Thanks Laura! I'm happy you're enjoying both recipes (they are among my faves as well). 🙂
Laura
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I've made them twice now. My lemon-loving Mom really liked them.
Lauren
That's awesome, Laura, I'm so happy you guys enjoyed them! 🙂
Mandy D
Oh man! These are so perfect! The ingredients are right up our alley and the pictures look soooo good! I'm making these this week for sure! Thanks for the recipe!
Mandy @ http://www.MandysHealthyLife.com
Donna
Are there any replacements for the use of coconut? all of it?
Lauren
The only replacement that might work here is butter. 🙂
Paula
Sorry this might be stupid but does the T stand for tablespoon or teaspoon?
Lauren
T is for tablespoon. 🙂
Nikki
Please help! Am I missing a step or something? I've tried these twice and all I get on top is a thin crunchy layer that cracks apart after it's cooled. Nothing like your thick, creamy filling. I'm a newbie with coconut oil and butter so maybe I just asked a really dumb question! 🙂 but my husband LOVES lemon bars so I want to figure these out.
Lauren
Hi Nikki,
To get them even thicker, just double the filling ingredients. 🙂 I hope you enjoy them!
Tami
Ok yes I will have to chill them longer next time and try it with the coconut butter, Thanks! 🙂
Tami
I just made these for the first time tonite, they taste great, lots of lemon flavor but they didn't seem to set well. The recipe I followed called for 6T of coconut oil, there was no mention of coconut butter, did you happen to update the recipe tonite?
Lauren
Hi Tami,
I updated the recipe a while back because so many people were having trouble with beating the oil. I'm not sure why you would have still seen the old version... As far as setting, it sounds like you just didn't chill them long enough? That recipe actually get very firm. It needs a few hours though. Sorry for any confusion!
Lara
Do you think I could leave out the 1/4c of coconut in the bottom layer?
Lauren
I think so! 🙂
Lara
Thank you! What about the stevia? I do not have liquid. I have powder form. How much would you say to use?
Lauren
I would think just a pinch? If you have one of those tiny spoons that come with the stevia, maybe one scoop with that?
Devchenka
I used almonds because that is what i had for nuts, i would deff use double the amount lemon juice, i could not taste lemon enough the crust was taking over the flavor =) I will make this recipe again with some changes!
Lauren
You may want to just add more lemon zest?...that way the ratio of liquids isn't thrown off. 🙂
Devin @ Nom Yum & Free
I finally had a chance to try out these raw lemon bars -- tart and delicious!! I slightly modified the recipe to make it nut free (http://nomyumfree.com/raw-nut-free-lemon-bars/). Not only will I be making these bars again, but I hope to use the nut free bottoms in other desserts. Thanks for the inspiration!
Cathy
I will try taking them out of the fridge for a while before I cut my next slice don't get me wrong it won't go to waste just wish it didn't taste so good when I next make afresh batch will let you know outcome x
Cathy
Hi Lauren made these bars this morning and my base hasn't set when I cut a slice off the base was left in dish with just a few crumbs attached to topping what am I doing wrong topping is divine though !
Lauren
Hmmm...was the base at room temperature when you poured on the topping (it should be)? Also, when the top layer gets too cold, it has a tendency to separate. I had to let mine thaw just a bit before cutting into them. I'm happy to hear you like the taste though! 🙂
Michelle
BEST. LEMON-SQUARES. EVER!!!! some of my notes on substiutions: u can use lime instead of lemon, or both. I had to use 1/3 to 1/2 of what the recipe recommends so as not to burn my tongue from lemon acid, (but I am perhaps sensitive to this). You can use apricots instead of dates (cheaper and lower glycemic), and the crust can be cashews mixed with walnuts; doesn’t have to be entirely made of walnuts. It’s really important to let this sit in the FREEZER for 30 minutes, and do NOT substitute any other kind of oil or butter for the coconut oil. Coconut butter completely changes the flavor ,but it’s OK and will do in a pinch (use less of it, spread it thinly, and freeze it for longer). Freezing also considerably cuts the acid of the lemon, interestingly enough.
Lauren
Thanks Michelle! I love all your substitutions too. 😀
J
These look great, but I'm a bit nervous about making them. Won't they just fall apart at room temp since coconut oil is the main ingredient in the topping? I can put them in the freezer to set, but I had hoped to set them out for a party...
Lauren
They do need to be kept cold to maintain their shape...
Becca
If I don't want to use stevia, what can I substitue?
Lauren
Hi Becca,
Another teaspoon or so of maple syrup should work! 🙂
Devin @ Nom Yum & Free
You've done it again - these look amazing!! Just saw these on Wheat Free Wednesday. Lemon bars are also one of my FAVORITES - I can't wait to try your recipe! I'm going to have to PIN and share on FB (and with my sister who also loves lemon bars). YUM!
Lauren
Thanks Devin! I hope you enjoy them! 🙂
Miz Helen
Hi Lauren,
Hope you are having a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Hope to see you soon!
Miz Helen
Lorelei
OK, this may be a silly question but what is the "1/4 cup unsweetened coconut?" Is it coconut milk, flakes, cream? Thanks so much!
Lauren
Not silly...it is unsweetened shredded coconut. 🙂
Katherine Natalia @ Green Thickies
Oh wow, I'm completely sold. I've been craving lemon desserts recently and this one looks very easy and too hard to resist. I'm going to have to make these! Thank you for sharing this with Healthy Vegan Fridays. Check back on Friday to see if you were one of the Top 3! We hope to see you again this week. You can submit a post from Friday to end of Tuesday:
http://www.greenthickies.com/healthy-vegan-fridays
saniel
i will try these for my birthday friday as a treat for myself
Sabrina
Do you have any sub ideas for walnuts as my daughter is allergic to them? Thanks for sharing this yummy looking recipe!
Lauren
Hi Sabrina,
I think pecans would be a nice substitute! 🙂
Marit - Superfoodmama
These look awesome!!! I have used this bottom for my raw cheesecake, soo delish. You can use that mixture for anything... my favorite is bite-size balls 🙂 http://superfoodmama.blogspot.nl/2012/11/minty-green-superpower-balls.html Unfortunately I don't make the cheesecake anymore, since I found out I'm allergic to lemon and cashews... but you've inspired me to try these bars with some other fruit! <3
Amber
Hi Lauren,
Well, I could not WAIT to make these so I made them last Wednesday. Just love them! The whole family loved them too. And I have the say, the crust is super tasty.
Thanks for a great recipe!
Here is my FB picture: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=581884161835380&set=a.292220644135068.78458.288512964505836&type=1
Lauren
Thank you, thank you! You're such a sweet girl! I was honestly worried that they wouldn't live up to the hype they were getting, so it's nice to hear when someone truly enjoys them! 😀 Thanks for sharing too!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma)
Wow, YUM, not much more I can say than YUM! Seriously, I can't stop staring at the picture!! So very excited with all the entries this week! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Rachel @ day2day joys
Lauren, these look amazing! I love all things lemon! Thanks so much for linking up at H2W! I'm going to pin this now!
Carrie- young living oil lady
YUM! Pinned and liked and tweeted! Come back to Healthy 2Day Wednesday to see if you were picked as one of my top 3 favorites! 🙂
marla nitti
these look wonderful!
Linda
Lauren, these look amazingly good! I'll be sharing your photo on Facebook with a link to you, if you don't mind.
Lauren
Not at all Linda, thank you so much! 😀
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures' Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂
Angela@mamarosemary.com
Oh my goodness these look super tasty!
Thanks for sharing on Natural Living Monday!
janet @ the taste space
I recently made a lemon bar with tofu but it was baked... I think your version looks great when I don't want to turn on my oven. 🙂
Tammy/Our Neck of the Woods
Wow, these look soooo great! I love your photos. Lemon bars are one of my favorites so I'll have to try these out.
Visiting from Healthy Vegan Friday!
Rogene Robbins
Bob loves lemon bars. Will have to give these a try.
Steph (The Cheapskate Cook)
YUM!
Nickie H.
I love lemon bars, and I was so excited to find this recipe for a lighter version! yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
By the way I featured your recipe on my Top 15 Healthiest Tasty Treats list. If you want a badge for your site or just to check it out feel free to look at it out here: http://nickieslittlebubble.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-top-15-healthies-tasty-treats.html Have a good day!
Lauren
Thanks so much Nickie! 🙂 I hope you enjoy the bars!
Hannah
Oh my! These look amazing! I'd love if you'd come share your recipe with us at Eco-Kids Tuesday!!
Lauren
Thanks so much Hannah, I'll do it right now! 🙂
Hannah
Thanks for sharing your recipe with us!! Hope you come link up again today!
Amber
Um, okay, I could kiss you for this recipe. OMG! I have to tell you, lemon is my FAVORITE. I would pick this out of a thousand chocolate cakes any day, Lauren. Just LOVE lemon bars, but hate the sugar laden ones. I used to make a lemon bar recipe with eggs, but it was always too egg-y for me. I will be making these this week. Can't wait. They look so delicious and refreshing. Thank you for your awesome recipes, girl. YOU ROCK!!
xo,
--Amber
Lauren
Wow! Thank you so much Amber! You write the nicest comments. 🙂 I hope they live up to your expectations. 😀
Justine@cookingandbeer
These like positively AMAZING! They just scream summer! Definitely a must try. Thanks for sharing.
Dina
these look yummy! great recipe.
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat
Oh wow! That lemon cream looks so good! I miss lemon bars so much, and yours sounds wonderful! Please come share tomorrow at Raw Foods Thursdays! Again, wow!
Lauren
Thanks Heather, I definitely will! 🙂
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat
Thanks so MUCH! I'm highlighting these bars at tomorrow's Raw Foods Thursdays event. I still need to make them. They're on my list for this weekend. Thanks again for sharing with us! I hope you come back and link up more of your raw creations!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I hated lemon bars as a child, but now that I'm older I am obsessed with lemon-flavoured treats! I love these 🙂
Lauren
Haha, my husband and I were just saying how we can't get enough lemons and limes lately! 🙂 They're so refreshing!
lori
yes yes yes ...................& I agree lemon bars are the best......... 🙂 perfect recipe
Lauren
Thanks Lori! 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I love lemon bars (really all citrus desserts) and these sound really good and pretty damn healthy too. Thank you so much for the recipe. I pinned them, and I can't wait to try them.
Lauren
Thanks Meghan! I hope you enjoy them! 🙂
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
You probably know by now, but I did really enjoy them and they were my first encounter with eating raw coconut. Once I got over the mental hurdle, I realized they were delicious. Thanks again.
Lauren
Hi Meghan,
Haha, yeah, you definitely need to like coconut oil here! I'm glad you eventually enjoyed them though...thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
lori
yes yes yes I can not waite to make these...................& I agree lemon bars are the best......... 🙂
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl
Love this recipe for Spring...would be perfect for Mother's Day! Pinning now!!
Lauren
Thank you Kim! Great idea about Mother's Day too. 😀
Linda Ortega
Sounds wonderful! I will try that receipe soon!
Lauren
Thank you Linda! 😀
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom
These look great! I have a lemon bar on my site too....I'll have to try yours :).
Lauren
Thanks Adrienne! I will have to check yours out as well. I've been meaning to try your bean fudge, but haven't yet due to illness. Hopefully, this will be the week for it! 🙂