Lemon Almond Bliss Bars
Indulge in these delightful Lemon Almond Bliss Bars, a gluten-free treat that's bursting with zesty lemon flavor and creamy texture. Perfectly balanced with the creamy richness of coconut and the crunchiness of almonds, these bars are an irresistible accompaniment to your afternoon tea or a light dessert. With every bite, you'll experience the refreshing tang of fresh lemons paired with the nutty goodness of ground almonds. Topped with optional garnishes for extra flair, these bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground almonds
175 g (None)
Coconut sugar crystals
2 tablespoons (None)
Coconut oil
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Maple syrup
1 teaspoon (None)
Cashews
125 g (Soaked in boiling water for 1 hour)
Coconut cream
250 g (Hardened cream from the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk)
Lemon zest
5 lemons (Zested)
Lemon juice
4 lemons (Juiced)
Arrowroot starch
2 tablespoons (None)
Honey
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the cashews: Place the cashews in a bowl of boiling water and let them sit for 1 hour to soften.
2
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
3
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds and coconut sugar. Mix thoroughly.
4
Melt the coconut oil and add it to the almond mixture along with the maple syrup. Stir until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough is too dry or crumbly, add a little more melted coconut oil until it holds together.
5
Transfer the dough to the lined baking tray. Use your hands or a small glass to press the dough evenly across the bottom of the tray.
6
Bake the almond base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
7
Once the cashews are done soaking, drain and rinse them. In a blender, combine the softened cashews, coconut cream, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and arrowroot starch. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the lemon juice as needed for desired tanginess.
8
Pour the lemon filling over the cooled almond base, spreading it evenly.
9
Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to set the filling.
10
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to firm up.
11
When ready to serve, slice into bars and optionally top with lemon slices, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or extra lemon zest.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Almond Bliss Bars?
Lemon Almond Bliss Bars are a gluten-free dessert featuring a zesty lemon filling on a crunchy almond and coconut base.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, these bars are naturally gluten-free as they utilize ground almonds and arrowroot starch instead of wheat flour.
How long should I soak the cashews?
The cashews should be soaked in boiling water for at least 1 hour to ensure they are soft enough for blending.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) for both baking the base and setting the filling.
What ingredients make up the base of the bars?
The base is made from a mixture of ground almonds, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and a touch of maple syrup.
What should I do if the dough for the base is too crumbly?
If the dough is too dry, add a little more melted coconut oil until the mixture holds together and can be pressed into the tray.
How long does the almond base need to bake initially?
The base should be baked for 15-20 minutes or until it begins to turn a golden brown color.
How do I obtain the coconut cream for the filling?
Use the hardened cream that settles at the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk.
How many lemons are required for the zest?
The recipe calls for the zest of 5 lemons to provide a robust citrus flavor.
How many lemons are needed for the juice?
You will need the juice of 4 lemons for the creamy filling.
What is the role of arrowroot starch in this recipe?
Arrowroot starch acts as a thickening agent to help the lemon filling set during the second bake.
How do I achieve a smooth lemon filling?
Combine the soaked cashews, coconut cream, honey, zest, juice, and starch in a blender and blend until completely creamy.
Can I adjust the tanginess of the bars?
Yes, you can taste the filling before baking and add more lemon juice if you prefer a sharper tang.
How long is the second baking period?
Once the filling is added, bake the bars for an additional 15 minutes.
How long should the bars cool before refrigeration?
Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing them in the fridge.
How long do the bars need to refrigerate to firm up?
The bars require a minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator to become firm enough for slicing.
What are some suggested toppings for these bars?
Optional garnishes include lemon slices, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or extra lemon zest.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The recipe contains honey, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup in the filling.
What is the texture of the Lemon Almond Bliss Bars?
These bars offer a delightful contrast between a crunchy, nutty almond base and a smooth, creamy lemon top.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firm texture and freshness.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, you can substitute the lemons with limes if you prefer a different citrus flavor profile.
What type of almonds should I use?
Ground almonds (often sold as almond meal or almond flour) are used to create the base.
Why is it necessary to soak the cashews?
Soaking the cashews softens them, which is essential for creating a dairy-free, silky-smooth cream filling.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free, using coconut oil and coconut cream instead of butter and milk.
Can I use a different sweetener for the base?
While coconut sugar is recommended, you can try other granulated sweeteners, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Is the lemon zest necessary?
The zest is highly recommended as it provides the intense lemon fragrance and flavor essential to the 'Bliss' experience.
When should I slice the bars?
Wait until the bars have been refrigerated for at least 4 hours so they are firm enough to produce clean slices.
Are these bars a healthy dessert option?
Yes, they use nutrient-dense ingredients like almonds and cashews and are sweetened with natural options like coconut sugar and honey.
Can these be made in advance?
Yes, because they need long refrigeration times, they are a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or events.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients including almonds, coconut products, lemons, and natural sweeteners.