Description
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. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer treat, a brunch item, or a dessert to serve at a gathering. Simple to make and absolutely irresistible, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Pour the Filling onto the Crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust.
Make the Topping:
- 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.
- Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the lemon filling.
Bake and Cool:
- 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).
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g