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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake the initial crust for approximately 15 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue, then remove from the oven.
- 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.
- Carefully pour the vibrant lemon filling over the warm crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Delicately scatter the reserved crumb mixture across the surface of the lemon filling, allowing it to rest gently without pressing down.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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