Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

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There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of tart lemons and buttery crumble. These Lemon Crumb Bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a buttery crumb topping that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a brunch, potluck, or just indulging in a midweek treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love These Lemon Crumb Bars

These crumb bars are not your average dessert. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:

1. The Perfect Texture: A soft, zesty lemon filling sandwiched between a crisp, buttery crust and crumble topping.
2. Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy these bars as an afternoon snack, party dessert, or even a citrusy breakfast treat with your morning coffee.
3. Made with Simple Ingredients: Chances are, you already have most of these pantry staples on hand!
4. Beautiful Presentation: They look as good as they taste—perfect for gifting or showcasing at gatherings.
5. Quick Prep Time: With only 20 minutes of prep, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly.

Now, let’s dive into what makes these bars so irresistible!

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

For the crust and crumb topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the lemon filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Necessary Tools for Lemon Crumb Bars

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (optional but recommended for easy removal)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or fork (to cut butter into the dry mixture)
• Whisk
• Spatula

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumb Topping

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender (or your fingertips), cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Mix in the egg until evenly combined.

Step 3: Prebake the Crust

Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour.
2. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is set.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For clean slices and enhanced flavor, refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cutting.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Crumb Bars

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make all the difference!
• Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the bars helps them firm up, making it easier to achieve neat slices.
• Customize the Crust: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the crumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• For a Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• For Extra Tanginess: Add a touch of lime juice or zest to the lemon filling.

What to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

These bars are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with:

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• A cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
• Fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor for these bars.

Q: My crumb topping isn’t browning—what should I do?
A: If the topping isn’t golden by the end of the baking time, place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves the vibrant flavor of citrus desserts. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a surefire way to impress.

If you loved these Lemon Crumb Bars, you’ll adore my recipe for Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies. They’re packed with gooey caramel and satisfying crunch—another dessert that’s impossible to resist!

Tried this recipe? Leave a review below and share your photos with me on Pinterest. I’d love to see your creations!

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 bar): 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g

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