Lemon Crumb Bars

Introduction

Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tangy lemon flavor with a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars feature a zesty lemon filling that’s sweet and tart, all nestled between a buttery, slightly crunchy shortbread-like crust and crumbly topping.

I first made these when I was craving something light and refreshing, and they quickly became a family favorite. The balance of flavors and textures is simply perfect—the sharpness of the lemon filling pairs beautifully with the richness of the buttery crust and topping. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing summer dessert, a brunch item, or something to share at a gathering, these bars are always a hit.

What’s great about these Lemon Crumb Bars is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to impress with their delicious combination of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors!

Perfect for:

• Summer picnics
• Afternoon tea
• Family gatherings
• Potlucks and bake sales
• Lemon dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crumb Bars

Here’s why Lemon Crumb Bars will become your new favorite:

• Tart and Sweet Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest creates a vibrant filling that’s perfectly sweetened and tangy.
• Buttery Crust and Topping: The shortbread crust and crumbly topping give these bars a delightful texture that complements the creamy filling.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a simple process, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Versatile: These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special event.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be made in advance, making them ideal for busy days or planning ahead for parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Crumb Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 1 ½ cups sweetened condensed milk

For the topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the bright and tangy flavor that defines these bars.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives the filling a smooth and creamy texture while also providing sweetness.
• Butter: The butter in both the crust and topping adds richness and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: The sugar balances the tartness of the lemon and helps create a delicate sweetness throughout the bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon Crumb Bars:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the Crust Into the Pan: Reserve about ¾ cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Filling:

4. Make the Lemon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the Filling onto the Crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust.

Make the Topping:

6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumb mixture, remaining flour, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are moistened and form small clumps.
7. Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the lemon filling.

Bake and Cool:

8. Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
9. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill completely, about 2 hours for the best texture.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars are a versatile dessert and can be served in various ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve the bars on their own as a delightful ending to any meal.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for added color and flavor.
• As a Snack: Enjoy these bars as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
• For Brunch: These bars make a great addition to a brunch spread, paired with other pastries or fruits.

Additional Tips for Lemon Crumb Bars

Here are some tips to ensure your Lemon Crumb Bars are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest will give your bars the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: When preparing the lemon filling, be sure not to overmix. Just whisk until the ingredients are combined to avoid curdling the mixture.
• Chill the Bars: These bars are best when chilled, as it helps the filling set and gives them a firmer texture.
• Customize the Topping: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even coconut flakes to the topping for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Crumb Bars

Here are 10 variations you can try for Lemon Crumb Bars:

• Blueberry Lemon Crumb Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
• Raspberry Lemon Crumb Bars: Stir in fresh raspberries to the filling for a tangy, berry-filled version.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Crumb Bars: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the lemon filling for a classic flavor combination.
• Lemon Coconut Crumb Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crumb topping for a tropical touch.
• Ginger Lemon Crumb Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the filling for a spiced version.
• Lemon Lime Crumb Bars: Swap half of the lemon juice for lime juice for a citrusy combination.
• Strawberry Lemon Crumb Bars: Add chopped fresh strawberries to the filling for a fresh, summery flavor.
• Lemon Almond Crumb Bars: Stir ½ cup of chopped almonds into the crust or topping for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Lemon Crumb Bars: Use gluten-free flour in the crust and topping to make these bars gluten-free.
• Vegan Lemon Crumb Bars: Substitute the egg and butter with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter.

Freezing and Storage for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Freezing: These bars freeze well. After cooling completely, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days for optimal freshness.

Special Equipment for Lemon Crumb Bars

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Lemon Crumb Bars easier:

• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To work the butter into the dry ingredients for the perfect crumbly texture.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: A square baking pan ensures even cooking and makes it easier to slice the bars into squares.
• Zester or Microplane: For finely zesting the lemon to add fresh, fragrant lemon zest.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the filling and ensuring it’s smooth.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper will help you remove the bars easily.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Crumb Bars

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I use a different type of citrus?
   Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus flavor.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
   Yes, these bars freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
   Yes, adding berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to the filling is a great way to customize the bars.

Print

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of bright lemon flavor and a buttery, crumbly texture. They’re easy to make, delicious, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a picnic, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dessert that’s refreshing, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re serving them to guests or enjoying them on your own, these lemon crumb bars are a delightful treat that will brighten up any day.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Crumb Bars turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!