The Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy, buttery lemon crumb bars dance between tangy brightness and sweet comfort.

Zesty citrus whispers memories of sunny afternoons in grandmother’s kitchen.

Delicate crumbles promise a textural symphony that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of sharp lemon and rich, golden crust.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical and surprisingly elegant.

Home bakers can master this delightful dessert with just a few easy steps.

Slice into these bars and watch smiles bloom across every face.

What Makes Lemon Crumb Bars So Fresh and Bright

• Crumb-tastic Flavor Explosion: Discover the zesty magic of these lemon bars that burst with tangy sweetness in every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these bars satisfy everyone from kids to grandparents with their irresistible texture and bright lemon flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, ensuring you always have a delectable dessert ready to serve at a moment's notice.

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Flour: A key base for the crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the base.
• Light Brown Sugar: Provides depth of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a light texture.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that binds the crust.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy and sweet base.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps set the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy citrus flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.

• Reserved Crumb Mixture: Crispy and golden topping from the crust ingredients.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing extra edges to hang over.

This trick makes lifting the bars super easy later.

Heat up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Crust

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder

Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture looks like delightful, clumpy sand.

Scoop out one-third of this mixture and set it aside for the topping.

Press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the pan, creating an even, compact base.

Slide it into the oven and bake until it turns a beautiful golden color, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Egg yolks
• Heavy cream
• Salt

Slowly pour in fresh lemon juice, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Once the crust looks perfectly golden, take it out of the oven.

Pour the lemon filling evenly across the warm crust.

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top, keeping it light and uncompressed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and a filling that’s set but still has a slight wobble in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Then tuck them into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

This helps the filling firm up and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Use the parchment paper handles to lift the bars from the pan.

Slice into squares and serve.

For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or scatter some fresh berries on top.

Enjoy your tangy, sweet masterpiece!

Tips for Crisp Crust and Tangy Filling

• Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base that holds together when cut, ensuring clean slices every time.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus taste, and adjust the amount slightly to match your preferred tartness level.
• Whisk the filling ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy texture that sets perfectly without becoming too firm or rubbery.
• Watch the crumb topping carefully during the final baking stage, removing the bars when it turns golden but before it burns, which can make the topping bitter.
• Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to help the filling set completely, making it easier to slice cleanly and maintain a beautiful presentation.

Store and Refresh Lemon Crumb Bars the Right Way

• Store lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• 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.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying. Avoid overheating to maintain the delicate texture.
• Keep bars chilled until ready to serve to maintain their crisp crust and creamy lemon filling. Enjoy within the first 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Light Sides for Lemon Crumb Bars

• Pair with Refreshing Tea: Brew a light Earl Grey or chamomile tea that complements the lemon's zesty flavor and cuts through the dessert's richness.
• Elevate with Sparkling Wine: Select a crisp prosecco or light champagne whose bubbles and acidity balance the sweet-tart lemon bars, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries, which add a vibrant color contrast and provide a natural fruity complement to the lemon's bright notes.
• Enhance with Creamy Accompaniment: Top with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or light mascarpone cream, adding a smooth, luxurious texture that softens the lemon's tanginess.

Fresh Spins on Lemon Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Lemon Crumb Bars: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap condensed milk with coconut cream, use flax eggs instead of egg yolks, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative that delivers tangy, creamy goodness.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and choose a sugar-free condensed milk alternative to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic lemon bar taste.
• Dairy-Free Zesty Bars: Substitute heavy cream with almond milk, use coconut butter instead of dairy butter, and select a dairy-free condensed milk option to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars?

The key ingredients include flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, salt, and baking powder.

• How difficult is this recipe to make?

This recipe is moderately easy and suitable for intermediate bakers. The process involves creating a crumb crust, preparing a lemon filling, and assembling layers carefully.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice can work but might lack the vibrant, zesty taste of freshly squeezed lemons.

• How long can Lemon Crumb Bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars can stay fresh for 3-4 days. Always keep them chilled to maintain their texture and prevent the filling from becoming too soft.

Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon crumb bars deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, showcasing a buttery crust topped with bright citrus filling. Crumbly streusel layers promise a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/3 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 12 tablespoons (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar, packed

Seasoning and Leavening:

• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, creating overhanging edges for effortless removal.
2. Craft the foundational crust by combining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, incorporating melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed. Separate one-third of the mixture for topping, then firmly press the remaining portion into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
3. Bake the initial crust for approximately 15 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue, then remove from the oven.
4. Whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt in a separate bowl until silky smooth. Gradually introduce fresh lemon juice, maintaining the mixture’s creamy consistency.
5. Carefully pour the vibrant lemon filling over the warm crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Delicately scatter the reserved crumb mixture across the surface of the lemon filling, allowing it to rest gently without pressing down.
7. Return the assembled bars to the oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden landscape and the filling sets with a subtle tremor at its center.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve optimal setting.
9. Once thoroughly chilled, leverage the parchment edges to extract the bars from the pan. Slice into precise squares, presenting them either chilled or at ambient temperature.
10. For an elevated presentation, accompany the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries, adding a final touch of elegance to this citrusy dessert.

Notes

• Zest up the flavor by adding extra lemon zest to the filling for a more intense citrusy punch.
• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these bars celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Create flavor variations by substituting lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg