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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, using 20-second intervals until mostly liquefied, stirring between bursts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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