Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe: Sweet-Tart Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories often spark when you discover a delightful lemon crumb bars recipe that instantly brightens your day.

Citrus-infused desserts carry a magical quality of refreshment and comfort.

Crisp, buttery layers melt together with zesty notes that dance across your palate.

Homemade treats like these connect us to cherished kitchen moments.

Crafting these bars requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.

Layers of tangy lemon and crumbly texture promise a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Buckle up for a culinary journey that transforms ordinary afternoons into extraordinary celebrations.

FAQs About Lemon Crumb Bars

• Are lemon crumb bars sweet or tangy?

These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and buttery crust, with a bright, tangy kick from fresh lemon juice and zest. The combination creates a delightful flavor profile that’s not too sweet or too sour.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but it might lack the vibrant citrus taste and zesty notes that fresh lemons provide.

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

Look for a lightly golden top and a set filling that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be slightly firm, and the crumb topping should have a light golden-brown color.

Why Lemon Crumb Bars Are Always A Hit

• Craft a Delightful Dessert: Lemon crumb bars offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance on your taste buds, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
• Minimal Baking Skills Required: This recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers with its straightforward steps and simple ingredients, ensuring success even for those new to baking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bars appeal to all ages and can be easily transported without losing their delicious charm.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With basic kitchen tools and ingredients, you can create a impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, impressing friends and family with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Lemon Crumb Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crumb crust that provides structure to the bars.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the crumb base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Baking Soda: Helps the crust achieve a light and crisp texture.

• Melted Butter: Creates a rich and tender base for the bars.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the crumb crust.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and deep background flavor.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Offers a creamy and smooth base for the tangy lemon filling.
• Sour Cream, Egg Yolk: Creates a rich and smooth texture for the filling.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright and zesty citrus flavor to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile of the lemon filling.

Easy Steps To Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring extra hangover on two sides. Lightly spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Salt
• Baking soda

Step 3: Create Buttery Base

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for one full minute until perfectly blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until completely incorporated.

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

Separate about 3/4 cup of the mixture and set aside for later topping. Press remaining dough evenly into prepared pan.

Step 6: Initial Bake

Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 7: Craft Lemon Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Sour cream
• Egg yolk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Until silky smooth.

Step 8: Layer Lemon Filling

Pour lemon mixture over warm crust, spreading gently and carefully.

Step 9: Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle reserved dough crumbles over lemon filling.

Step 10: Final Baking

Return pan to oven and bake 17-20 minutes until top turns golden and filling sets.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and place on wire rack. Allow complete cooling. Use parchment edges to lift bars from pan. Slice into delightful squares and savor your creation!

Helpful Notes For Lemon Crumb Bars

• Master Crumb Distribution: Reserve exactly 3/4 cup of the dough mixture for topping to ensure perfect crumb coverage across the lemon bars.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the lemon filling to create a sturdy, crisp foundation that won't become mushy.
• Zest for Intensity: Use fresh lemon zest to amplify the citrus flavor, ensuring you grate only the bright yellow part of the lemon peel for maximum taste.
• Smooth Filling Technique: Whisk the lemon filling ingredients until completely smooth to guarantee a silky, luxurious texture without lumps.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature before cutting to help the filling set properly and achieve clean, precise slices.

Fun Takes On Lemon Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based condensed milk, and replace egg yolk with cornstarch or flax egg.
• Orange Zest Alternative: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh orange components for a different citrus profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free condensed milk and monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.

What Goes Well With Lemon Crumb Bars

• Brew Refreshing Tea Companion: Brew a chilled Earl Grey or jasmine green tea that complements the lemon's zesty profile, cutting through the bar's richness with elegant herbal notes.
• Match Creamy Beverage Partner: Select a smooth, cold-pressed almond milk or vanilla latte that balances the dessert's bright acidity and offers a subtle, creamy contrast.
• Enhance Flavor Sidekick: Serve alongside a small scoop of lavender or honey-vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert experience that elevates the lemon bar's delicate texture and tangy essence.

How To Keep Lemon Crumb Bars Fresh

• Store cooled lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• 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.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short time. Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 42-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy citrus and buttery crust, promising pure dessert delight. Sweet crumbles melt effortlessly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 10 tablespoons (142 grams) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice

Binding and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sour cream

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring easy removal and spraying with nonstick coating.
2. Combine flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl, creating the dry ingredient foundation.
3. In a separate large bowl, thoroughly whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for one minute until completely integrated.
4. Merge dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Separate approximately 3/4 cup of dough for crumb topping, reserving it to the side.
6. Evenly press remaining dough into prepared pan, acknowledging its buttery texture.
7. Bake crust for 10 minutes until slightly set.
8. While crust bakes, create lemon filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
9. Gently pour lemon mixture over warm crust, spreading carefully to maintain crust integrity.
10. Sprinkle reserved crumb dough across lemon filling, creating a rustic topping.
11. Return to oven and bake 17-20 minutes until topping turns light golden and filling sets completely.
12. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack until temperature normalizes.
13. Utilize parchment overhang to extract entire dessert from pan.
14. Slice into square portions and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure melted butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent potential egg scrambling in the recipe.
• Zesting Pro Tip: Use a microplane or fine grater for the most delicate and flavorful lemon zest without bitter white pith.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the bars suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 286 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 102 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg