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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine flour, oats, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl, creating the dry ingredient foundation.
- In a separate large bowl, thoroughly whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for one minute until completely integrated.
- Merge dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Separate approximately 3/4 cup of dough for crumb topping, reserving it to the side.
- Evenly press remaining dough into prepared pan, acknowledging its buttery texture.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until slightly set.
- 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.
- Gently pour lemon mixture over warm crust, spreading carefully to maintain crust integrity.
- Sprinkle reserved crumb dough across lemon filling, creating a rustic topping.
- Return to oven and bake 17-20 minutes until topping turns light golden and filling sets completely.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire rack until temperature normalizes.
- Utilize parchment overhang to extract entire dessert from pan.
- 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