Lemon Crumb Bars: A Zesty Delight for Every Occasion

Lemon Crumb Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who enjoys the refreshing zing of citrus balanced by a satisfying, buttery crumb. The combination of tart lemon filling and crumbly, sweet oat crust makes these bars the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these bars are sure to impress. Their vibrant lemon flavor and delightful texture make them a crowd-pleaser and a go-to recipe in any home cook’s dessert repertoire.

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The beauty of Lemon Crumb Bars lies in their simplicity. With just a few key ingredients like fresh lemons, butter, oats, and sweetened condensed milk, you can create an irresistible dessert with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The layers of crisp oatmeal crumbs contrast beautifully with the creamy, citrusy filling, offering a bite that’s both satisfying and light. These bars are ideal for those who crave a dessert that’s not too heavy but still full of flavor.

What makes these Lemon Crumb Bars even more appealing is their versatility. They’re the perfect option for a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee, yet they’re also sophisticated enough to serve at dinner parties and family gatherings. The fresh, bright flavor of lemon provides a refreshing contrast to rich, hearty dishes, making these bars a fantastic choice to round off a meal. They’re also easy to make ahead, which makes them an excellent choice for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create these delicious Lemon Crumb Bars, you’ll need just a few staple ingredients. The combination of these ingredients results in a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Crumb Base:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter serves as the base of the crumb mixture, giving it a rich flavor and helping bind the dry ingredients together. The butter should be melted, so it blends easily with the other components.
• 3/4 cup packed dark or light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses flavor, giving the crumb base a slightly caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon filling.
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder helps the crumb mixture rise slightly as it bakes, contributing to its light, crumbly texture.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided): Salt enhances the sweetness of the brown sugar and complements the tartness of the lemon.
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats: Oats form the heart of the crumb mixture, providing a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth lemon filling.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps to form the structure of the crumb base, ensuring it holds together when pressed into the pan and baked.

For the Lemon Filling:

• 2 large or 3 medium lemons: Fresh lemons provide the bright, zesty flavor that makes this dessert so refreshing. You’ll use both the zest and juice of the lemons for maximum flavor.
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk creates a creamy, smooth texture for the lemon filling while adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lemon juice.

Equipment:

• 8×8-inch baking pan: A square pan is ideal for this recipe, as it allows the bars to bake evenly and gives you a perfect serving size.
• Parchment paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled, ensuring you get clean, square cuts.
• Microwave-safe bowl or stovetop pan: Either method works for melting the butter, depending on your preference.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and absolutely delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Pan

To start, position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (177°C). This will ensure that the bars bake evenly and develop that golden-brown crust. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two sheets of parchment paper placed perpendicularly. The parchment should extend at least one inch over all four sides, which will help you easily remove the bars once they’ve cooled. This step is essential for getting neat, clean cuts without sticking to the pan.

2. Melting the Butter

Cut the stick of butter into eight pieces and place it in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave by heating it in 20-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overheating. It should take around 40 to 60 seconds total for the butter to melt mostly. If you prefer, you can melt the butter on the stovetop in a small saucepan and then transfer it to a mixing bowl. The goal is to have the butter fully melted but not too hot to handle.

3. Making the Crumb Mixture

Add the brown sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt to the melted butter. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. The brown sugar will dissolve slightly in the warm butter, creating a smooth mixture that’s ready to be enriched with oats and flour. Next, incorporate the old-fashioned rolled oats and all-purpose flour into the butter-sugar mixture. Use a flexible spatula to mix everything together until the mixture is uniform and no dry spots of flour remain. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed.

At this point, reserve 1 cup of this crumb mixture to use as the topping for the lemon filling later. Set the reserved crumbs aside for now.

4. Baking the Base Layer

Take the remaining crumb mixture and transfer it into the prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly and firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands to form a compact layer. You want this layer to be even and solid to create a sturdy base for the lemon filling. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and fragrant. This step ensures the crust is slightly firm before adding the lemon filling.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly. While it cools, you can prepare the lemon filling.

5. Mixing the Lemon Filling

In the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), finely grate the zest of the lemons. You should get about 2 tablespoons of zest. After zesting the lemons, cut them in half and juice them until you have 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Add the zest, lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The condensed milk will give the lemon filling a creamy texture, while the lemon juice and zest add that irresistible citrus punch.

6. Assembling the Bars

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the prepared lemon filling evenly over the top of the crumb base. Be sure to spread it out gently with a spatula so that it covers the entire surface of the crust. Afterward, evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling. This topping will bake into a slightly crisp, golden layer that perfectly complements the creamy lemon center.

7. Baking the Lemon Crumb Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 22 to 24 minutes. The edges of the bars should be well-set and lightly browned, and the lemon filling should look firm and slightly bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to ensure the crumb topping doesn’t over-brown. The result should be a beautiful, golden dessert with a firm center.

8. Cooling and Cutting the Bars

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This can take about 1 1/2 hours. If you’d like the filling to be firmer, you can refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes after they’ve cooled to room temperature. This step is optional but helps the filling set, making the bars easier to slice.

Once completely cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut into 12 even pieces. The bars should be easy to cut with a sharp knife, yielding neat squares that showcase the contrasting layers of oat crust and lemon filling.

Flavor and Texture Experience

The Lemon Crumb Bars offer an unforgettable experience from the first bite to the last. The first thing you’ll notice is the delightful fragrance of the freshly zested lemons, which wafts through the kitchen as the bars bake. The crumb base is buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly crisp, providing a satisfying contrast to the smooth, creamy lemon filling. Each bite bursts with citrusy freshness, while the crumb topping adds a touch of texture and crunch. The combination of these layers creates a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing—ideal for any time of year.

Tips and Variations

• Lemon Zest: If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of zest you use. Zesting more than two lemons can give the filling a more intense citrus taste.
• Sweetener Substitution: You can experiment with using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these Lemon Crumb Bars as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea or as a light dessert after dinner. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, with layers of buttery, crumbly oatmeal base and a smooth, creamy lemon filling. Their bright citrus flavor and satisfying texture make them an ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a simple afternoon snack or a special dessert for a gathering. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these bars are a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing citrus dessert. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible bars that will leave everyone craving more.