Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Summer Joy

Crafting delectable lemon crumb bars brings pure joy to any dessert enthusiast’s kitchen.

Sweet citrus notes dance through layers of buttery goodness.

Bright yellow squares promise a tangy adventure for your taste buds.

Seasonal ingredients combine to create a simple yet impressive treat.

Zesty flavors mingle with a crumbly, golden crust that melts in your mouth.

Baking these bars feels like sharing a little sunshine on a plate.

Come savor every delightful, lemony bite that awaits you.

Lemon Crumb Bars That Refresh

• Craft with Ease: Minimal kitchen skills needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike who want a delightful dessert without complex techniques.
• Burst of Citrus Delight: Zesty lemon filling creates a tangy, refreshing flavor that cuts through sweetness, offering a vibrant taste experience that awakens the palate.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bars appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of crumbly texture and bright lemon flavor.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to create a impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complicated instructions.

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the crumb base and topping.
• Oats: Adds texture and a wholesome, slightly nutty flavor to the crumb mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and a rich, caramel-like depth to the crust.
• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base and helps bind the crumb ingredients together.

• Lemons: Provide bright, zesty flavor through both the juice and zest.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Offers a creamy, sweet base that helps set the lemon filling.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and tangy flavors in the recipe.

• Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a light and slightly risen texture.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the bars from the baking pan.

How to Bake Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, creating an overhang on all sides. Position an oven rack in the middle and heat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crumb Base

• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Oats
• All-purpose flour

Stir until a consistent crumbly mixture forms.

Set aside one cup of this mixture for topping.

Step 3: Bake Initial Crust

Press the remaining crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Slide into the oven and bake until fragrant and lightly golden, about 12-14 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up Lemon Filling

Zest and juice fresh lemons.

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Remaining salt

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 5: Layer and Finish Bars

Pour lemon filling over the hot crust.

Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top. Return to oven and bake 22-24 minutes until edges turn golden and filling sets.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack for about 1.5 hours. For firmer texture, refrigerate 30 minutes.

Lift out using parchment paper and slice into 12 delightful squares.

Tips to Nail Lemon Crumb Bars

• Ensure parchment paper overhangs pan edges for effortless bar removal and clean cutting.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and more consistent crumb texture.
• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent dry lemon zest.
• Refrigerate bars for firmer filling and cleaner slicing, especially in warm kitchen environments.
• Reserve extra crumb mixture to create a delightful, crunchy topping that adds textural contrast.

Flavor Variations on Lemon Crumb Bars

• Lime Zest Crumble Bars: Swap lemons with limes for a tangy tropical flavor profile, maintaining the same recipe method and ingredient proportions.
• Gluten-Free Oat Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure certified gluten-free oats for celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter substitute to create a plant-based friendly version of the original recipe.
• Orange Citrus Crumb Bars: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh orange components for a sweeter, milder citrus experience.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Brew a light, citrusy Earl Grey or green tea that complements the bar's bright lemon flavor, cutting through the richness with its refreshing herbal notes.
• Serve a cold glass of almond milk or vanilla-infused milk to balance the dessert's tartness and provide a smooth, cool contrast to the crumbly texture.
• Plate fresh raspberries or blueberries alongside the bars, adding a burst of natural sweetness and a vibrant color that elevates the dessert's visual appeal and taste complexity.

Storing Lemon Crumb Bars

• Refrigerate: Store lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
• Reheating: Warm bars gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their crumbly texture and prevent becoming soggy.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but might taste slightly flat and less vibrant compared to freshly squeezed lemons.

• How do I know when the crumb bars are fully baked?

Look for light golden brown edges and a set filling. The top crumb layer should look dry and slightly firm. The center will still have a slight jiggle but shouldn’t be liquid.

• Why do I need to press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan?

Pressing the crumb mixture creates a compact, stable base that prevents the bars from crumbling. A firm, even layer ensures consistent texture and helps the bars hold their shape when cut.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars blend tangy citrus with buttery crumble for a delightful dessert. Creamy filling nestled between crisp layers makes these bars a perfect treat for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 stick (8 tbsps) unsalted butter
• 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large or 3 medium lemons
• 3/4 cup packed dark or light brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by positioning a rack in the middle and heating to 350°F. Create a parchment paper sling in an 8×8-inch pan, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, using 20-second intervals until mostly liquefied, stirring between bursts.
3. Combine melted butter with brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly, then fold in oats and flour until a uniform crumb mixture forms. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture for topping.
4. Press the remaining crumb mixture into an even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let rest.
5. Zest and juice the lemons directly into a mixing bowl. Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and remaining salt until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top. Return to the oven and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly browned.
7. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack for approximately 1½ hours. For a firmer texture, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper sling and slice into 12 equal pieces on a cutting board.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened but not completely melted for the best crumb texture, which helps create a perfectly crumbly base.
• Always grate lemon zest before squeezing juice to maximize flavor extraction and prevent losing aromatic oils.
• Gently but firmly press the crumb mixture into the pan to create an even, compact layer that will hold together when baked.
• Allow bars to cool completely to set the filling and achieve clean, precise cuts when slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg