🍋 Lemon Poppyseed Squares (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
There’s something about lemon in dessert form that just feels like joy. Bright, zesty, and instantly uplifting, it’s a flavor I keep coming back to — especially in summer. These Lemon Poppyseed Squares are my newest obsession: soft, tender, and speckled with poppyseeds for that nostalgic bakery look, finished with a tangy lemon glaze that makes each bite sing.
The best part? They’re completely vegan, gluten-free, and come together in one bowl — so you can have fresh, homemade bars cooling on your counter in under 30 minutes. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, lunchbox treats, or an afternoon tea moment, these little squares are sunshine you can slice.
📝 Ingredients
For the squares:
🌾 1 cup almond flour
🌾 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
🥄 1 tsp baking powder
🥄 ½ tsp baking soda
🧂 ¼ tsp salt
🌼 2 tbsp poppyseeds
🍯 ½ cup maple syrup (or agave)
🥥 ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or other neutral oil)
🍋 Zest of 2 lemons
🍋 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🥛 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
For the glaze:
🍬 ½ cup powdered sugar (organic to ensure vegan)
🍋 1½–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
👩🍳 Instructions
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppyseeds.
Mix wet: In the same bowl, add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond milk. Stir until just combined — do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Allow to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle or spread over cooled bars.
Slice & serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
💡 Serving Tips
Picnic-ready: Cut into smaller squares and wrap in parchment layers for easy transport.
Elevated: Serve with fresh berries and mint sprigs on a dessert board.
Chill it: Store in the fridge for a firmer, almost fudge-like bite.
These Lemon Poppyseed Squares prove that simple recipes can still feel like a treat. With their sunny citrus flavor and poppyseed-speckled crumb, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious — and perfect for sharing.
If you make them, tag me on Instagram @kellysgreenkitchen_ so I can see and share your creations. Here’s to lemony moments that make summer even sweeter. 🍋✨
