Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

These Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a buttery, crumbly oat crust and a luscious lemon filling. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars

• Flavorful and Refreshing: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet oat crumble creates a delightful flavor that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for potlucks, bake sales, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
• Versatile: You can enjoy these bars for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

Oat Crust:

• Quick-Cooking Oats: These add a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crust.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Help the crust rise and become light and crumbly.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.

Lemon Filling:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Help to thicken the filling and create a smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: These add a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Different Crust: Use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of the oat crust.
• Berries: Add some fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the lemon filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars for an extra decadent treat.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the crumble topping before baking.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Oat Crust

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and mix until crumbly. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Measure out half of the oat mixture and set it aside for the topping. Pour the remaining mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, make the lemon filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the top of the lemon filling. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Layers: Spread the crust and the lemon filling evenly for consistent baking.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before adding the crumble topping will prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Chilling: Chilling the bars before serving helps them to firm up and makes them easier to cut.

How to Serve

These Lemon Crumb Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of richness.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can bake the crust and make the lemon filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Storing: Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust instead of the oat crust. If you’re using a pre-made crust, be sure to follow the baking instructions on the package.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

Can I freeze these lemon bars?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bars for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Lemon Crumb Bars. I hope you enjoy it!

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