Before I dive right into these incredible lemon cream bars, I'd like to address the tiny elephant in the room...Where have I been for the past 3 weeks?
Sure, some of you might not have even noticed. Boo, you! You may scroll down and just read the recipe :D
For those of you that did, I got into a car accident with my two boys. To be honest, it was a complete nightmare. I was driving the speed limit of 45mph on a two-lane road when another car didn't see the traffic ahead of him and swerved onto the other lane, hitting us head-on. I never had a chance to see the other car coming. One second I was driving, the next I had the airbag in front of me.
The car came to a stop in the ditch and my boys were screaming. I had to climb out of the passenger side door to get out of the car and got my youngest son (22 mo old) out of the car first, then screamed for help for someone to get my 4yr old. We waited in someone's car until the ambulances came.
The worst part was that there wasn't enough room for all of us in 1 ambulance. I was already in pain but any mother can imagine the gut-wrenching pain I felt when I was told my 4 yr old would have to ride in a different ambulance.
I didn't get to see him until 5 hours after the accident again when we were thankfully placed in the same hospital room. However, it still makes me feel absolutely miserable as a mother knowing that during the time when he needed me most, I wasn't able to be there.
Even after broken bones, nicks, and bruises, I am extremely grateful that nothing worse happened. By some miracle, which I call my 22 mo old son's Car seat, he was able to go home immediately with my husband with just one bruise on his hip.
The pain gets better every day. A broken sternum is really not something I wish upon anyone. It feels like a 300 lbs man is sitting on your chest and sucking the air out of your lungs. I wish I had a picture for that :D All I can say is, thank the heavens for pain meds!!
Emotionally, my 4yr old and I are still working through it. It's really hard for a child that age to understand that it was just bad luck, out of my control, and that sometimes things like this just happen. It was really tough seeing him cry in his sleep and having night terrors every night for the first two weeks. He stopped having them this week and is no longer taking any pain medication, so I'm hoping we'll soon be back to normalcy.
Enough with this somber talk, let's get back to what actually makes me happy. Good food or in this case, some creamy Lemon cream bars :)
When I first thought about making these I really wanted to make plain vegan lemon bars. I made them once and realized that I really wasn't all that into that gooey sugar lemon filling, that tastes like it should have stayed in the oven for at least 30 minutes longer, at all. So I scratched trying to make a healthier version of that and just opted for these lemon cream bars.
They turned out way better than I anticipated and the great part about it was there were no cashews!! Plus with only 7 ingredients, they're pretty hard to beat.
I first thought about making these bars with a softer, raw vegan crust like the kind I use for my vegan cheesecake recipes but my husband complained last time that he wanted something crisp. So I made super easy coconut flour, coconut oil, and almond crust.
When you mix the coconut flour with the melted coconut oil, it turns into the texture of peanut butter. I could have spread that on my toast but I reaaaallly wanted to make the lemon cream bars instead :D
Mix it with some ground-up almonds and press it into a lined pan.
Bake it until the edges of the coconut flour crust turn are browned just a bit. Don't worry! You definitely can make this raw vegan though! Just skip the whole baking part and leave the crust as is!
The filling is super easy. Nothing too complicated about that. Make sure to taste the filling before pouring it over the crust. You can add agave or maple syrup to sweeten it up a bit (I actually like it without) or add more lemon zest or juice to make it a bit more tart.
Pour it over the crust and press some shredded coconut on top. The shredded coconut is definitely optional but I think it adds a really nice texture to it.
Now you want to freeze it. Just long enough though until the filling is nice and firm so that you can easily remove these bars from the pan.
You'll get a nice, nearly frozen lemon cream bar block like that above. You'll see that the parchment paper left some lines on the side but once it thaws in the fridge it can easily be smoothed out again.
To make sure that the crust doesn't get soggy. You'll want to let the bars thaw in the fridge. Depending on how well you froze them and how warm your fridge is, this can take anywhere from an hour to 5 hours. Once it's slightly thawed you can cut it into squares or rectangles....whatever your little heart desires :D
The best part is eating it. They taste like summer and are creamy without feeling heavy.
These are also super freezer friendly (see the notes in the recipe). They're great if you freeze them and then take them to a summer party. By the time you arrive, the lemon cream bars will have thawed just enough and be ready to serve.
Lemon Cream Bars
This clean eating, lemony,treat is perfect for summer. Crisp coconut crust with a creamy coconut lemon filling. Plus a Raw vegan option!
Ingredients
Crust
- ¾ cup Coconut Flour 95g
- 6 tablespoon Coconut Oil melted, 65g
- ½ cup Almonds raw, 70g
- 1 Medjool Date
Lemon Coconut Filling
- 2 cups Coconut Cream 400g (See Notes)
- 3 teaspoon Lemon Zest 5g
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice fresh, 60ml
- 1 - 2 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Agave, optional
- ¼ cup Coconut shredded, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
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In a food processor pulse the almonds and date until they are finely chopped. Don't pulse too long or you will end up with almond butter.
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In a medium mixing bowl combine the coconut flour with the coconut oil until a smooth paste forms. Stir in the chopped almonds and press into the base of the prepared pan.
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Bake crust in the oven for roughly 8 minutes or until the edges have browned.
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Remove pan from the oven and allow to cool.
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Meanwhile, add coconut cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and optionally the maple syrup to the food processor or mixing bowl. Process or mix until smooth. Taste the filling and add more maple syrup or lemon juice if needed to get the desired tart/sweetness.
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Pour filling in the pan, over the crust. Spread the filling evenly across the pan. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and lightly press into the filling.
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Place pan in the freezer for roughly an hour until filling has set completely. Carefully remove the bars from the pan, place on a different plate and set in fridge. Allow bars to slightly thaw in the fridge before attempting to cut them.
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Store bars in the fridge and eat within 5 days.
Recipe Notes
1) Lemon cream bars are also freezer friendly. Store them in the freezer for up to a month. Try not to thaw and refreeze these bars too often. 2) Coconut Cream can be bought or can easily be obtained from 2 cans of coconut milk. Place coconut milk towards the back of the fridge overnight. Carefully open the can and you will notice the coconut cream will have separated from the coconut water. Scoop out this hard white cream and use it for this recipe. 3) To make this recipe raw vegan, skip baking the crust in the oven. Simply make the crust as described and pour the filling over it. The crust won't be crisp but more like that of my other vegan cheesecakes.
Looking for a different lemon recipe instead? Try my Raspberry Lemon Swirl Pie or Lemon Loaf Recipe!
Lauren says
Oh Vanessa, I'm so terribly sorry you had to experience that. I've had a broken sternum too (along with basically every other bone in my torso) and can totally relate. It is hellish. I hope you and your family can continue to heal, emotionally and physically!
Vanessa says
Thanks for your kind words Lauren. After hearing that, I know how lucky I was with a broken sternum and not all the bones in my torso as well! Yikes! That sounds terrifying. Hope you managed to recover fully from that. Was it also in a car accident?
Lauren says
Similarly I was struck head on (drunk driver), and the seat belt did an excellent job keeping me in the car. It has been 9 years and I healed physically incredibly well, emotionally took longer but I got there. Like your 4 year old I had a hard time understanding the randomness of the situation. Sending a gentle hug your way :)
Lucie says
So happy to see you're back in blogging mode Vanessa! It's terrible what happened, I'm just so thankful all of you guys are OK.
Vanessa says
Thanks Lucie! You're so sweet. I'm excited and soo ready to get back into blogging. Definitely felt like I was missing a piece of myself not blogging :)
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Oh Vanessa dear, I have been thinking where you had disappeared. I am just so sorry for what happened, but at the same time so incredibly thankful that you and your kids are fine. This is just so scary :( Please take good care of yourself and your little ones. Big hug to you guys! and welcome back :)
Linda @ Veganosity says
Oh my gosh, I'm so happy that you and your sweet boys are on the mend and home safe and sound. What an absolutely horrifying experience. Cooking is definitely therapeutic, thankfully you're well enough to be back in the kitchen. These look and sound outrageously good! Sending healing prayers your way.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Vanessa, oh my gawd!!! your car accident!!!! I am so thankful that you guys are ok and well, you can believe that I am going to tell all of my friends about the Cybex Gold Pallas 2-Fix Toddler Car Seat . . I'm not even sure which one I have?!! going to check now! that is so scary but again, I'm glad you all made it out alive. I hope you and your son get better. . I'm sure the emotional scars last longer. thank you for sharing and my heart is breaking right now for you guys. I also have a 4 year old. . it's been such an emotional day but I am so glad to have met you and am praying for your broken sternum and for you and your 4 year old.
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
I am so, so sorry to hear about your car accident! That is one of the scariest experiences, and I am sending all of you positive healing love. On a lighter note, these bars look so creamy and perfect! I always love your lemon recipes :)
Maria G. says
Yes, I have been wondering where you have been! I'm sorry to hear about the accident. I know how you feel as I also was in a car accident as a kid. God protected you because He has a special plan for you and your kids. I hope you will let Him guide you in the future!
To the bars ... they look gorgeous and I like your crust recipe – all natural. Thanks!
Sonja says
Poor boys, poor Mum!
Wow, look at that car... As a mother of two boys 2 and 5 years old I really try to share your emotions and I get horrified of thinking about this sort of situation. Being separated afterwards such an accident must be traumatic for the age of 4. But as I can be allowed to judge you over such a big distance you do a great family job! Wish you all the best and send greetings and thanks for the delicious recipe!
Sonja from Germany
Sorry for my English- it's not my everyday language
Alison @ Food by Mars says
This looks so good!! Right up my alley :) And, as for the car accident, I know how horrific it can be to get past... thankful you guys are OK!
The Vegan 8 says
Omg Vanessa....I'm just getting a chance to read your blogpost and I have tears. I'm just in shock over all of this and how terried you and your sweet kids must have been! My eyes swelled up reading about your little 4 year old having nightmares...oh my goodness...that poor angel :( My daughter will be 4 soon and it breaks my heart to see her upset, so I can only imagine how hard it is for you as a Mommy. I'm so thankful to God you are all okay though and will pull through. My thoughts and prayers and big hugs are with you.
The lemon bars look so creamy and delicious too and you all deserve to completely stuff your face with them! xo
Amelia Petrie says
oh my goodness. Sending you all so much love and healing intentions for a quick and speedy recovery. What an incredible Mum you are and what a massive emotional road you are on. Not at all sure if this will be up your street or not, but Susun Weed is the USA's leading herbalist and her knowledge of what healing can come through the use of plant medicines is amazing. I just know she'd suggest Motherwort for both you and your son(s). If you link to her on facebook, she just recently wrote up about it. Take as a tincture, and have five drops under the tongue any time you feel emotionally distressed, overwhelmed, unstable, shaky, panicked etc etc. It is THE most amazing healer. It instantly brings calm and peace. Really, you can feel it happening within minutes of taking it. It's name means 'Mother Healer' and it alleviates all our awful weights as parents, particularly the kind of post-car-accident separation stuff you and your son went through. Also, if you get stuck feeling angry or unable to hold your boundary in relation to other people, or, if this happens for your son...then Staphisagria homeopathic remedy taken in a 30 dilution would be great. Really useful for all post-trauma hospitalisation and interventions and being forced to be separated from your little boy. And, of course, heaps and heaps of Arnica 30, Rhus Tox 30 and Ruta Grav 30 to speed up the wound healing, and remove trauma also at the level of your emotions too...the Arnica is amazing for this. Forgive me if you know all of this, I just had to share as being so far away (I'm in Australia,) and also not knowing you, this felt like what Something that I actually could offer a perfect stranger; a person that I would so deeply like to see get all the support she needs right now. I hope in some small way it does being you some of that. And re taking the homeopathic remedies, read up a bit on that if you don't know about it...or, please do email me, I'd be more than happy to help. Wishing you all a v v good and full recovery. If you get stuck with any pain, (emotional or physical) look into Howard Schubiner's work. He is second to none on full recovery from shocking and painful experiences. But, I trust deeply that his details will be unnecessary. This is a moment you are all coming through steadily, and will move through fully as time continues to assist you in a forwards direction. You are awesome. I can feel it from here! And, on another note, I LOVE the look of these bars - thank you for posting them. Healing thoughts to all of your family xx
Vanessa says
Thank you so Amelia, We have taken Motherwort and Arnica but i haven't used Staphisagria, Rhus Tox, or Ruta Grav. I'll have to look into those. Thank you for thinking of me and giving me such useful advice. It's really appreciated. It's been almost 4 weeks and I can feel us finally pushing past all of this. The boys seem to be back into their own routine again. There's still a lot of raw emotion on my part. I think the hardest part is knowing your job is to keep your kids safe and knowing that some things are completely out of your control is tough to wrap my head around. I was only taking 3 drops of Motherwort but I'll try taking 5 instead, like you suggested. Thanks for your healing thoughts. I was gladly take those :D
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Vanessa, I'm so glad you and your little ones are ok considering what you guys have been through <3 Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers over here!!! xoxo
These lemon cream bars look so bright and delicious! I've missed you and your recipes and so happy you are back to blogging!! You guys deserve all the desserts and comfort food in the world right now!!!
Marie @kindinside.com says
OMG I might just have drooled over my computer! These bars looks so damn tasty, and what's even better - all the ingredients are right up my alley :D
Kitchen, here I come... wait... Grocery Store, pack some lemons for me, this recipe is going down!
Now for the not so fun part of this post: I'm so so sorry to hear that you had to go through this experience. I pray for you and your family, and hope this won't hunt your boys more in the future, and that you will get all the help and support to heal. Sending tons of love to you all <3
Heather says
Vanessa, I saw your recipe on Pinterest and I love to read through new ones. I am so glad to hear you and your boys are doing ok. My kids are now age 8 and 10. I have never been in an accident, so I don't know what you went through but I can imagine. Sending prayers your way for continued healing for all of you.
Vanessa says
Thank you Heather for your prayers. We will gladly take those :D
Levan @ MyWifeMakes.com says
So happy you are okay Vanessa, and so glad you are back and trying to put things back to normal. The whole thing sounds very traumatic and we are very happy that everyone is on the road to recovery! Stay strong and positive; it's times like these that remind us of the little precious things to be grateful for.
- Levan
Harriet Emily says
Oh my gosh Vanessa, I am incredibly sorry to hear about such awful news. It's such a horrible thing to have happened, and something I can't even begin to imagine. I'm so glad that you all got out safe, and that you're getting through it now. It's also amazing that you've managed to still create an amazing recipe with a broken sternum!! You're incredible! This recipe looks absolutely delicious, and I'm wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery!!! xxx
Sara says
I am allergic to nuts but I would love to try these bars! Can you suggest any substitutions for the almond crust? Or cashews for creamyness in other recipes?
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Sara, You can substitute sunflower seeds for the almonds in the crust. Usually you can omit cashews in vegan cheesecake/cream recipes that also use coconut cream. This recipe doesn't use cashews in the filling and it sets perfectly. Hope this helps :)
Julie says
Will walnuts work for the crust?
Vanessa Croessmann says
Yes! Most nuts will work instead of almonds for the crust. I wouldn't use cashews, however.
Elise says
These are unbelievable!
Thanks for such a genius recipe!
When I was making the lemon coconut cream I was a bit worried because mine was much runnier and didn't look as fluffy as yours and it needed setting longer in the freezer but end result is sooo good. Many thanks and I'll be sure to keep in touch with your latest recipes 😍
Vanessa Croessmann says
Thanks Elise, yours looked beautiful! I'm so glad you liked the recipe :)
Cheryl says
I see that it has been a few months since your accident. I am just tuning in, hoping to try these delicious looking lemon bars today. But I wanted to let you know that I am praying now that your recovery physically is going well. I thank God for bringing you through the wreck itself and pray that God is strengthening your faith as His peace heals your hearts. Peace to you in Christ.
Vanessa Croessmann says
Thank you Cheryl, your kind words mean so much to me. Physically we've overcome everything and mentally for the most part. I haven't driven yet since...still a bit scared. My kids have handled it quite well and my 4 yr old no longer has night terrors. I'm so grateful that God kept us from getting hurt any worse. On a light note, I do hope you try these lemon cream bars. They're so good and scream summer :) THanks again Cheryl. Your comment really did make me smile today :)
Megan Kelly says
Yum! Tying these soon :)
Lara says
These look so good! Can I use Medjool Dates instead of maple syrup or agave? If so, how many? Also, can I substitute the almonds in the crust for Raw Buckwheat Groats?
Sara Lee P. says
these lemon cream bars turned out perfect! I did add a little bit maple syrup for sweetness in the lemon cream part. Was really wonderfuL! Thanks!
Vanessa Croessmann says
So glad you liked them, Sara.
Susan says
Sorry to hear about the wreck! We all are very thankful that you all came through it. Recipe looks great, love your blog!
Vanessa Croessmann says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Susan.