Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

If you love that irresistible pairing of tart citrus and buttery sweetness, these Lemon Crumb Bars are about to become your new obsession. Picture this: a tender, oat-studded crust, a creamy and tangy lemon layer, and those crisp, golden crumbles on top. Every bite is a burst of sunshine that feels both familiar and utterly special — just the kind of treat you’ll want to bring to spring picnics, summer barbecues, or share with friends over coffee. Whether you dip them in white chocolate or enjoy them as they are, Lemon Crumb Bars strike the perfect balance of zesty, sweet, and buttery textures that never fails to win hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient lineup for these Lemon Crumb Bars is wonderfully straightforward, but each item truly plays a starring role. From the cozy richness of melted butter to the brightness of lemons and the heartiness of oats, every choice brings something essential to the flavor, texture, or appearance of the final bars.

• All-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy base and crumbly topping that holds up to the luscious lemon filling.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds a rustic chew and a hint of nuttiness that pairs so well with the zippy filling.
• Salt: Just enough to sharpen flavors and balance the sweetness throughout the bars.
• Baking soda: Ensures the crumb topping and base stay light and tender without being cakey.
• Granulated sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and lets the lemon flavor shine.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a warm, caramel note that deepens the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and crumbles while adding rich, buttery depth in every bite.
• Vanilla extract: Grounds all the flavors with its aromatic, familiar warmth.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The backbone of the silky filling; it makes the texture dreamy and the bars perfectly sweet.
• Lemon zest: Brings that burst of pure citrus aroma and flavor — don’t skip it!
• Fresh lemon juice: The real star here, delivering the perfect balance of sweet-and-tart zing.
• Egg yolks: Provides creaminess and helps the tangy lemon layer set up beautifully.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan with baking spray. This step ensures that the bars won’t stick, which means less hassle and cleaner slices later.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. Once mixed, stir in both sugars to spread the sweetness evenly throughout. Pour in your melted butter and vanilla extract, then work everything together until the dough is evenly moistened and crumbly — it should smell amazing already!

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Take half of your crumb mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even crust. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This gives your base enough time to set up and develop a lovely golden color, so it’s ready to hold that creamy lemon filling.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Lemon Filling

While that base is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg yolks in a separate bowl. You’ll immediately notice the dreamy yellow color and the bright, fresh aroma — a sure sign that the filling is packed with citrus flavor!

Step 5: Assemble and Finish Baking

Once your crust is out of the oven, pour the prepared lemon filling right over the top. Gently smooth it into all the corners, then sprinkle the rest of your crumb mixture evenly over the filling. Bake for another 20 to 22 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and everything looks set and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Slice

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge until they’re nice and firm. For super sharp, clean slices (and to avoid any filling ooziness), chill them extra thoroughly or even freeze briefly before cutting. If you’re feeling fancy, dip the bottom halves in melted white chocolate and let set in the fridge. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic, but you can really dress up your Lemon Crumb Bars with a twist of lemon zest, a tiny wedge of fresh lemon, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flair. If you went the white chocolate route, a little drizzle on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet-tart intensity of Lemon Crumb Bars with something light and fresh on the side — a bowl of berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a little vanilla ice cream. They’re also the perfect companion to a hot mug of tea or a tall glass of lemonade for a double-lemon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve these bars cut into bite-sized squares on a pretty platter, or package them up in parchment paper for portable picnic perfection. Layer them in mason jars with extra crumbles or whipped cream, or top each square with a tiny edible flower to transform your Lemon Crumb Bars into an eye-catching dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Crumb Bars in a sealed container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and moist for up to five days. Chilling also helps maintain that clean, creamy texture in the lemon layer.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Simply arrange them in a single layer (with parchment between each layer if you’re stacking) in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Lemon Crumb Bars are delightful straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them just a little warm, pop a square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If they’ve been frozen, let them thaw fully in the fridge first for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is really what makes Lemon Crumb Bars sing, thanks to its bright, zippy flavor. Bottled juice will work in a pinch, but for the most vibrant taste, stick with fresh-squeezed.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For super neat slices, pop the whole pan into the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing.

Can I make Lemon Crumb Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars remain just as delicious and crumbly.

Do these bars work with other citrus fruits?

They sure do. Try swapping in lime or even a mix of lemon and orange for a fun flavor twist — just remember that the juicy, tart quality of lemon is what keeps the bars bright and refreshing.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

No problem! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, keeping an eye on the baking time. Lemon Crumb Bars are crowd-pleasers at any gathering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that’s as cheerful as a sunny day, give Lemon Crumb Bars a go. Their layers of buttery crunch and creamy citrus filling never fail to bring a smile, whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a piece just for yourself. Go on, treat yourself and bring a little sweet brightness to your baking routine!

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