Description
These Gluten-Free Lemon Matcha Bars are bright, fresh, and irresistibly delicious. Featuring a crisp vegan shortbread crust topped with a vibrant lemon matcha curd, they’re perfect for a refreshing treat that combines tangy citrus flavors with the earthy notes of ceremonial grade matcha. Easy to make and naturally gluten-free, they set beautifully in the fridge and make a stunning dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegan Shortbread Crust
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 6 tbsp organic cane sugar
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Matcha Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
- 6 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 – 2 tbsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
Garnish
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted vegan butter, organic cane sugar, gluten-free flour, and kosher salt. Mix using a spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
- Press and Bake Crust: Transfer the dough into the lined baking dish and press down evenly using your hands or a spatula to form the crust base. Bake for 18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Cook Lemon Curd: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, coconut milk, cornstarch, and vanilla. Whisk continuously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly, reaching a gel-like consistency allowing stiff peaks when whisked.
- Prepare Matcha Mixture: Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of hot (not boiling) water and whisk using a bamboo matcha whisk or electric frother until smooth and relatively thick.
- Combine Matcha with Lemon Curd: Add the prepared matcha mixture into the saucepan and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the matcha lemon curd mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Chill Bars: Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and let the bars set for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Serve: Once set, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into 14 pieces or desired square sizes. Serve chilled.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 weeks. Thaw before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To freeze, cool completely, cut into bars, wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- Use ceremonial grade matcha powder for best flavor and color.
- Ensure the lemon curd thickens fully on the stovetop for a perfect set.
