Some days are made for lemony things. Like lemon bars topped with a lemony cream layer. I like those days.. don't you? But what if you're feeling like something a bit more zingy? Try tossing some turmeric and ginger into the mix and you end up with a beautiful thing...
Turmeric, lemon and ginger make an awesome trio. We already learned that with the famous anti-inflammatory lemon ginger turmeric iced tea, didn't we? ;) I think I was inspired to make these bars because of that drink in the first place and I'm happy with the results. It's a beautiful flavor for a dessert bar.
Plus, doesn't the look of that lemon turmeric layer make you happy? I can't look at that vibrant yellow without smiling :)
I think though most of all I'm in love with that white cream layer. It's delicate, fluffy, mildly lemony, lightly sweet, but so incredibly creamy. I could eat it all up with a spoon... and coupled with the tart and zingy bottom layer it's the perfect accompaniment.
A couple of quick tips / notes:
- The bottom layer uses coconut flour, which is incredibly liquid absorbent. That means that the moment you add the ingredients in and start to process, your mixture will thicken up A LOT. If you forget any of the ingredients and try to add them in later, they won't blend in properly as the mixture will already be quite thick. So the lesson is: make sure you've got everything in that processor from the get go (I learned the hard way ;) ).
- Note: even though these bars are frozen they thaw out quite quickly and don't have the feel or texture of a frozen dessert. Just throwing it out there since I know some of you mentioned you have a hard time with biting into frozen things... these bars are quite soft and creamy and ready to be eaten within 10 mins.
Check out the video below to see how they're made:
PrintGinger Turmeric Lemon Cream Bars
Delicious dairy-free lemon cream bars with a touch of ginger zing, and naturally derived yellow color from turmeric. Gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 - 6 bars
- Category: Bars
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
Yellow Layer:
- 6 tbsp coconut flour
- ¼ cup coconut butter (manna), slightly warmed / softened for easier blending
- ¼ cup lemon juice, at room temp
- ¼ cup agave
- 1 tsp ground ginger (spice)
- ½ tsp turmeric (spice)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp lemon extract
White Layer:
- ¼ cup coconut butter (manna), slightly warmed / soft for easier blending
- ½ cup plant milk of your choice (I used soy milk), at room temp
- ¼ cup agave
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, at room temp
- ½ tsp lemon extract
Optional Toppings:
- ⅛ tsp poppy seeds, crushed pineapple chips, dried sunflower petals
Instructions
- Process all yellow layer ingredients to combine in a food processor. Transfer this mixture into a lined tupperware container or medium-sized bread loaf pan (I used one that's 8" x 4"). Press down into an even layer. Cover with a small piece of parchment paper and press down once again with a flat-bottomed object to make sure that layer is smooth (I like to think of it as "ironing" :) ). Remove the parchment from the top and place the pan in the freezer while working on the next step.
- Clean out the food processor (so there's no discoloration of the white layer). Process all white layer ingredients until smooth. Pour this mixture over the yellow layer in the pan. Allow to sit a minute, then sprinkle and decorate with toppings (if using). Note: if your mixture is too warmed up (very liquid), the poppy seeds might sink in a bit, so if that's the case best to chill the pan for 15-20 mins first, then sprinkle with the toppings. Freeze for 5 hours or overnight for the bars to set. Trim off uneven edges and slice into bars and enjoy! Keep leftovers frozen.
Emily says
Hi Audrey! This dessert reminds me of daffodils, which is perfect for celebrating spring! I was wondering how long the leftovers keep in the freezer for? Also, I was looking into making your raw espresso cake, and was wondering how long they keep as well. Thanks so much!
Audrey says
Hey Emily, yes they do remind of daffs! :)
If you keep them protected from freezer bite (like in a sealed container), they can keep well for many months. Same with the raw espresso cake.
Connie says
Can I pre cut the “loaf” and keep the bars in an air tight container? Need to transport them to my CrossFit box and keep them in a cooler bag with ice packs for a few hours, will it last?
Audrey says
Hi Connie. Yes, if you pack them with some ice packs in a cooler bag (in a container) they should hold just fine. I like to line the container with a bit of parchment paper for cases like this so it's much easier to grab a slice neatly. Enjoy! :)
Lesei says
Oh wow! Those look so soo yummy! Cant wait to try! The colors are so vibrant and beautiful as well! Thanks for sharing!
Lesei says
Also, is there any way to make this without using a processor? Ours broke so sad, I cant make any of your good cakes or bars because they all require processing.. I REALLY want to make this and surprise my mom.
SOS!!!!!!
Lesei says
One last question my dear, the coconut butter I have is waay thicker than yours! Can I melt mine a bit to make it more thinner? Or will that work.. Thankyou! I really want this to come out perfect!
Audrey says
Hi Lesei. Unfortunately you do need a processor to make the bottom layer of these bars. So it might have to wait...
Re: coconut butter being thick, it'll thin out a little if you warm it very gently (I usually place the whole jar in a bowl of very hot water and let it sit there for a bit to soften). It doesn't have to be as thin as in the video, if that's what you're referring to, by the way. It just needs to be a little soft.
Maybe you can make something like this for your mom instead in the meantime:
https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/vegan-mint-chocolates/
or
https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/vegan-coconut-lime-cream-chocolates/
Lesei says
Thankyou very much for responses! When we get a new proccessor, I will make the recipe and then I will get back with you on how it came it out! Thankyou for the chocolate recipies!! I passed by those recipes and thought about making a jar for my mom, so I've decided that i'll go for those in the meantime. Thanks!! Your website is my go-to for deserts now. And I just found out about it yesterday! You've got yourself a new fan!
Paula K Kapiloff says
Hello, I have not yet tried this recipe. My question is can I use anything besides coconut flour or milk. I am allergic to coconut anything. Can you help me out. I would love to serve this for my Bingo friends. I love all the ingredients. Please let me know. I am always make sweets and I over heard someone, why can't she make something savory. Thanks so much. Paula Kapiloff
Audrey says
Hi Paula. Unfortunately this recipe relies too heavily on coconut, would be hard to omit it without basically coming up with a whole new recipe... However, I do have a whole coconut-free recipe section on the website -- maybe you can find something from the list there? :)
If you go to the main recipes page here, half way down the page there are tabs -- select the "coconut-free" tab to have all the recipes that don't use coconut come up: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/all-recipes/
Daniel says
Hi i havent made these yet but tue look super yummy i was woundering if i put agar agar do you think it will turn to a jello or will it not work
Audrey says
Hi Daniel, well, the bottom part will definitely not turn to jello because it's too solid for that. For the top part, adding agar might help them be a bit more stable at a warmer temperature, but I don't think the consistency will be quite jello-like because the coconut butter is quite "heavy" for a jello (though it can get more jello-like for sure). If you're interested, here are a few agar-agar based recipes though you might enjoy instead:
Jello: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/festive-vegan-jello-dessert-recipe/
Flan: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/vegan-simple-eggless-flan/
Custard: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/carob-cinnamon-eggless-vegan-custard/
Coconut Cream Pie: https://www.unconventionalbaker.com/oil-free-vegan-coconut-cream-pie/
eni says
Audrey,
I literally cannot stop looking at these pieces of heaven that you are making. Your blog is so aesthetically appealing! What an amazing job you've done!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Hi Eni. Thank so much :) I'm glad you're enjoying the blog and photos!
Mayra says
Hi Audrey I just wanted to say yummy to these lemon bars!!! I made them the other night and I was just too excited to make them that I accidentally did 1 tsp of turmeric instead of a 1/2, oops! But no biggie they were still amazing! I pretty much ate them all by myself, (except the 1 or 2 I shared with the husband because I had to be nice)! Haha. Anyways, I've been following you for a bit now and have made a couple of your recipes but have never commented! You are so talented and I love your beautiful photography! Thank you for all you do and for sharing your delicious recipes with us, keep doing what you do! Have a great day!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Hi Marya, thanks so much for the lovely comment. I'm glad you're enjoying the blog and these bars. And I'm glad your husband got taste of them too -- sharing is caring :D
Mika says
Hey Audrey! These look absolutely divine, especially now that we are entering the scorching summer days! I bought a jar of coconut butter but I'm not sure if it's the same kind you used because mine looks thinner. Coconut butter is just pure coconut blended, right? Can I substitute lemon zest for the lemon extract if I double it? Thanks!
Audrey says
Hi Mika,
Yes, coconut butter is just pure coconut blended, so it should be alright. Might look a bit thinner because it's a but melted at room temperature, in which case it'll solidify in the freezer. And yes, lemon extract should work great :)
Mark says
Hi Audrey, I made this cake in a round tin, with dried pineapple and strawberry topping. It turned out pretty amazing, but I notice the creamy layer becomes runny when I take the cake out of the freezer. At room temperature, the cake starts to collapse. Is this normal?
I like raw food cakes, but dislike that they only hold their shape in the freezer. I'd like to be able to make something with the consistency of cream cheese that holds itself together at room temperature :)
★★★★★
Audrey says
Hi Mark,
Yeah, these types of treats need to be kept chilled to keep their shape, or only be thawed out briefly. The thing that's making them hold shape is the coconut butter, coconut oil, cacao butter, and so on, and these are generally melty when the temp heats up, especially if it's warmer where you are.
I find coconut butter keeps its shape the best / is firmest, so the cake can survive a little longer out provided it's not boiling hot -- but it only pairs with things that are chocolatey.
I made a few baked cheesecakes that hold their shape well at room temp, but they're not raw -- you can find them on the blog under baked cake. They have a similar ingredient list, but the texture is room-steady.
I've been experimenting a little with agar agar to see if it can make more room steady raw treats, but so far the results aren't shareable :) If I make something worthy, I'll post an update.
Mark says
Hi Audrey, thanks for the feedback. I'll try something else too - create a base that goes up on the sides too. So more like a cup shape that holds the filling inside. I know that goes against cheesecake dogma ;) but it's worth a shot.
★★★★★
Audrey says
Hey Mark, oh yes -- I do that for my "softer" raw cakes, like the ones that are oil-free, avocado-based, etc. It's a good trick :) Also making them as mini cheesecakes (in cupcake pan) with the taller sides would help contain things pretty well.
Hope says
This is excellent and so easy to make! I didn't have poppy seeds and sunflower petals so I used coconut chips and candied ginger.
★★★★★
Audrey says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Hope! :) So glad you liked it and I've actually made it with coconut chips before too -- delish :)
Sarah says
Dear Audrey,
Thanks for yet another beautiful recipe...How you come up with all these delicious and equally beautiful creations is beyond me! I can't wait to give these a try. However (sorry about the 'but' :-) , though I absolutely love coconut, my boyfriend is not such a fan. He adores lemons though, which is why I searched for lemon recipes on your site. How 'coconutty' would you say these taste? There is quite a bit of manna in there after all...Or do the ginger and the lemon flavor really push the coconut flavour to the background? Thank you!!!
Audrey says
Aw, thank you Sarah!
Hands down, my favorite lemon dessert on the blog is this lemon ginger chia cheesecake!
I think for these bars the coconut flavor is apparent enough for a coconut disliker to not go for it (I live with one too, for the record -- though he also happens to not like lemon ??).
Dale says
I am a fan of anything lemon!
What I am not a fan of is trying to stock my fridge/cupboard with 100 different items I may use once. this sounds great but I'm not about to go out and buy "manna".
Audrey says
Well, you could double the recipe and that should use up the entire jar of coconut butter so you won't have any left over to worry about ;)
You can make your own easily in a food processor or good blender if you have shredded coconut around instead of buying it ready-made.
Lana says
Audrey, I made these amazing bars and was so pleased with how delicate it tasted! Loved the top layer and was going to eat it all straight from the food processor :) These bars are so delicious, lemony with a nice kick of ginger. Loved it. Perfect treat for the hot summer days. Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Lana says
Audrey, I'm in heaven! I made these bars and they are so delicate, delicious and with a pleasant ginger kick. I loved the top layer and how soft and amazing it is. Thank you so much for such a quick and awesome recipe! ?
Lana says
sorry, did this from my phone and it didnt show that it posted...my apologies for two comments. But these bars are so darn good!
Rachel says
Wow what a gorgeous dessert! Id like to make these, do you think subbing some of the coconut butter for cacao butter would make them able to sit out at room temperature?
Audrey says
Maybe a tablespoon or two would help it sit out a little longer, but I'd still keep them refrigerated. It would also alter the delicate creamy flavor (making the top harder to bite into) and introduce a chocolatey flavor. If you're ok with those changes, feel free to give it a try (and let me know how it goes -- I'd love to hear!). Personally the creaminess of the top is my favorite part though :)
angela says
The tea is infamous? Yikes.
Audrey says
Whoops, good catch, Angela -- it's meant to say "famous" :) The tea certainly does not have an "infamous" reputation ?
Anna says
I made them last weekend! My family loved them! The only problem I had was I needed to add 1/4 cup water and 1/8 cup coconut oil to the yellow layer because it was too thick. I could only make a half batch of the cream because I ran out of coconut butter. :( Also mine didn't hold together quite as well as yours did, but still pretty well! Overall an amazing recipe!
★★★★
Audrey says
Hi Anna. Thanks so much for the feedback -- I'm glad you liked them :) The coconut flour is EXTREMELY absorbent, so you kind of have to blend it all together in one go as it begins to thicken nearly instantly, but adding a bit more of what you've added should generally not be an issue -- that's what I would have done too, so good thinking. It helps if you cut them straight out of the freezer -- that way they hold their shape. Also packing the bottom layer in like your life depends on it is what makes it dense and more sliceable. Too bad you ran out of coconut butter though -- that's really my favorite part in this whole treat :)
joanne says
Hi, Can I substitute maple syrup for the agave? This looks really yummy.. looking forward to trying it out! Thanks!
Audrey says
Absolutely :) Maple is my usual go-to and it'll work great in these.
Natalia says
Wow! I think i found my inspiration for my future soap! yellow, creamy and containing all these coconut stuff which I love so much? Mmmm, these sound so delicious and delicate!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Oh, yay! So glad :) Can't wait to see your beautiful soap some day!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
These bars would certainly make my day! I love lemon products and these look and sound divine.
Audrey says
Thanks Kari :) I agree -- something about lemon desserts always evokes a smile, doesn't it?
Anna says
Wow this looks so so good! I love coconut flour and coconut butter and lemon and turmeric and ginger - these were like made for me! I can make these bars pretty easily, maybe a weekend project?
Questions:
How can I use fresh ginger? I prefer its flavor.
Don't you think making the cream layer first and setting it aside, to ensure there's no yellow, would be best?
Audrey says
Hi Anna, definitely yes to a bit of grated fresh ginger instead. And you could definitely make the layers in reverse order. I just cleaned my processor out really well, so there was no color to interfere with the white layer. I thought about doing it the way you suggested but then figured I'll either have to clean an extra dish or the processor, so it seemed about equal :)
Anna says
oh ok that makes sense, thank you!
Anna says
Hi Audrey! I made it! It was so so good! I could only make half the cream layer because i ran out of coconut butter, and I needed an additional 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 4 tablespoons of water in the yellow layer because my mix was so dry. I also only used a quarter teaspoon of turmeric, and I got the same color you did. Everything came out very well though! My mom forbid me from eating more than one because I am sick :( but I'll be looking forward to them when I am better! Everyone said they tasted great!
★★★★★
Audrey says
Oh, yay -- so happy they worked out and that you got the right color after all :) Sorry to hear you're sick though. Tell your mom turmeric has healing properties... ?? Hope you get well soon! Thank you for the feedback.
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
I think i need to buy higher quality turmeric, because I would have to dump the entire bottle of the stuff I have in there to get this vibrant a color! And that would not be zingy at all, that would just be inedible lol. But even if they are a pale yellow, the flavor would be delicious. I am still very much on a lemon kick :)
Audrey says
How strange -- my turmeric is nothing special -- just a simple organic turmeric powder, and I get it from all over the place and I always end up with vibrant yellows with just a tad of it... Maybe it's just that whatever you're trying it in is colored already?
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Even in a simple banana smoothie or nicecream, if I add just a 1/2 tsp it's the palest yellow. It looks bright going in, but once blended it just fades away. Idk, it's kinda an old bottle perhaps that's it.
Audrey says
Hmmm.. bizzare! Maybe it is because it's old. I know when I use it in some of my cheesecakes at first the color is pale, but as it sets it becomes more and mover vibrant. 1 tsp is more than enough for a whole cake though usually.
Anna says
Weird, my turmeric makes things more orangey , like a mango color to everything I put it in.
Audrey says
I think it's got more to do with quantity. If I add a pinch to a cake = yellow, more and I end up with orange as well.
Anna says
oh, I never thought I was using too much! good to know :)
Audrey says
Yes, just the smallest amount to make a yellow -- even a pinch is enough sometimes.