Delicious lemon crumb bars with a crumbly top and vibrant lemon filling

Lemon Crumb Bars

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Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a picnic, or just an everyday treat. These bars provide a refreshing flavor that brightens up your dessert table and will surely impress your friends and family. Their crumbly crust and zesty lemon filling create a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Plus, they are quick to bake and require minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Lemon Crumb Bars

Directions :

  1. Preheat Your Oven:
    Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure that your crumb bars bake evenly.

  2. Prepare the Crust:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This is your crust mix—which should resemble coarse crumbs.

  3. Grease the Baking Pan:
    Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will help the bars come out easily once they are baked.

  4. Press the Crust Mixture:
    Once your crust mix is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your greased baking pan. Make sure it’s packed tightly to create a solid base for your lemon filling.

  5. Bake the Crust:
    Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll want the crust to turn a light golden color, signaling that it’s ready for the next layer.

  6. Make the Lemon Filling:
    In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to mix everything well until you have a smooth and uniform mixture.

  7. Combine and Bake Again:
    Once the crust is done baking, take it out of the oven and pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

  8. Final Baking:
    Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center when it’s finished baking.

  9. Cool Down:
    After baking, allow your Lemon Crumb Bars to cool completely in the pan. It’s important to wait so they set properly before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

  10. Serving:
    Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a lovely finishing touch to your delicious dessert.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars can be served as a delightful dessert at any gathering. Slice them into small squares or rectangles and arrange them on a platter for your guests. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. If you want to serve them chilled, pop them in the refrigerator for a bit before serving.

How to Store Lemon Crumb Bars

To store your Lemon Crumb Bars, let them cool completely, then cut them into squares. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last for up to one week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the uncut bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

  1. Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice. It makes a significant difference in taste.

  2. Zest Properly: Make sure to zest just the yellow part of the lemon. The white pith can be bitter and may affect the taste.

  3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars during the second bake. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery filling instead of a soft, luscious texture.

  4. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This helps the filling set nicely and makes for clean edges.

  5. Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance.

Variation

  1. Berries: You can add fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, into the lemon filling before baking for a fruity twist.

  2. Ginger: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger or fresh grated ginger into the filling for a spicy kick.

  3. Other Citrus: Experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange in place of lemon for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use a vegan butter substitute to make these bars vegan-friendly.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice will provide a more vibrant and robust flavor.

3. How can I tell when my bars are done?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center should have a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

4. Can I add more lemon juice for extra tartness?
Yes, you can add a bit more lemon juice if you prefer a tarter flavor, but be cautious not to exceed 3/4 cup as it may affect the texture of the filling.

5. What should I do if the bars are too runny?
If your bars don’t set properly, it could be that they didn’t bake long enough or were cut too soon. Make sure to cool them entirely before cutting, and extend baking time in small increments if necessary.

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lemon crumb bars 2026 04 06 210248 1

Lemon Crumb Bars

  • Author: lily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars with a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a crumbly crust and zesty lemon filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the ingredients together until crumbly for the crust.
  4. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  5. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust turns light golden in color.
  7. Whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
  8. Pour the lemon mixture over the hot crust evenly.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
  10. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemons for juicing and zesting.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: lemon, dessert, crumb bars, sweet, tart, easy recipe

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