Description
These No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars are a creamy, dairy-free dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust and a tangy lemon cashew filling. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and laced with fresh lemon zest and juice, they are a refreshing treat that requires no oven time, setting beautifully in the freezer for a quick and easy dessert option.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted vegan butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted vegan butter in a bowl until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish using your hands or a spatula. Set aside.
- Blend the filling: In a blender, add raw cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Assemble the cheesecake bars: Pour the blended filling over the crust layer, spreading evenly to cover the entire base.
- Chill to set: Place the baking dish in the freezer and chill for 4 hours or preferably overnight until the bars firm up completely.
- Serve: Remove from the freezer and let the cheesecake bars thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy your refreshing lemon cheesecake bars!
Notes
- For best results, use raw cashews that have been soaked in hot water for 2 hours or overnight to ensure a creamy filling.
- You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or honey if not strictly vegan.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
- Allowing the bars to thaw slightly before serving improves texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less intense lemon flavor, reduce the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons.
