Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Name: Lemon Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); Zest of one lemon; Baking powder; Salt

Recipe By:

CH-ADM

Posted:

February 23, 2025

Updated:

February 23, 2025

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Have you ever tasted a dessert that makes your taste buds dance with joy? Picture this: a buttery crust cradling a tangy lemon filling, all topped with a golden crumbly layer that melts in your mouth. These Lemon Crumb Bars are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making them the ultimate addition to your dessert repertoire.

This recipe is perfect for warm summer days, family gatherings, or simply as an indulgent treat after dinner. The balance of sweetness and tartness creates an experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars offer a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that will leave you craving another bite.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crumb Bars

Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of zesty lemons with a crumbly texture offers a delightful taste experience that satisfies both sweet and tart cravings.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious bars without hassle.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, holiday gathering, or just an afternoon snack, these bars are versatile enough to impress anytime.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the fridge for easy serving later on.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the base and crumb topping; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness in both the crust and filling; adjust according to your taste preference.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter to give the crust its rich flavor and tender texture.
Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor of the filling far beyond bottled alternatives; choose juicy lemons for maximum zest.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps create lightness in the filling; ensure it’s not expired for effectiveness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crust you just pressed down.

Step 4: Add Topping

Sprinkle any remaining crumb mixture over the filling evenly before placing it in the oven.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden on top. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer cooled Lemon Crumb Bars onto plates and serve chilled or at room temperature for an enjoyable treat!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons will provide superior flavor compared to bottled lemon juice; always opt for fresh when possible.
Let Cool Completely: Allowing your bars to cool completely before cutting ensures clean edges and prevents them from falling apart.
Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week; they can also be frozen if needed.

Mistakes to avoid

Using Overripe Lemons: When making Lemon Crumb Bars, the quality of lemons matters greatly. Using overripe lemons can result in a bitter flavor that overwhelms the sweetness of the dessert. Always choose bright yellow lemons that feel firm to the touch. This ensures you get the right balance of acidity and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of your bars. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for the best flavor; bottled juices often lack the vibrant taste needed for this recipe.
Neglecting to Pre-Bake the Crust: One common mistake is skipping the pre-baking step for the crust. This crucial phase prevents your crust from becoming soggy when you add the lemon filling. Pre-baking allows the butter to set properly and creates a sturdy base for your Lemon Crumb Bars. Without this step, you risk ending up with a mushy texture that can ruin your dessert experience.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking requires precision, so not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to disappointing results. Using too much or too little flour or sugar can alter the consistency and flavor of your Lemon Crumb Bars significantly. Invest in a kitchen scale or use measuring cups and spoons correctly to ensure each ingredient is measured to perfection. This attention to detail will help you achieve a balanced texture and flavor.

Ingredients

To make delightful Lemon Crumb Bars, gather the following ingredients:

– For the crust and topping:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

– For the lemon filling:

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

– Zest of one lemon

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lemon Crumb Bars:

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, and baking powder. Use a fork or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.

Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Make the Lemon Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until well combined. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Finally, add in the flour and mix until smooth.

Add Filling & Bake Again

Once your crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over it. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until set. Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Crumb Bars are versatile and pair wonderfully with:

Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a hot beverage for a delightful afternoon treat.
Berries: Fresh berries add a refreshing touch that complements the tartness of lemon.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes these bars extra indulgent.

FAQs

What makes Lemon Crumb Bars unique?

Lemon Crumb Bars stand out due to their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The buttery crumb crust contrasts beautifully with the zesty lemon filling. This combination creates a delightful dessert that appeals to many palates. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a popular choice for gatherings and potlucks.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Crumb Bars?

Yes! You can substitute various ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Just remember that substitutions may slightly alter flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover Lemon Crumb Bars?

Store any leftover Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?

Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to save your delicious Lemon Crumb Bars for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion for Lemon Crumb Bars

In summary, making Lemon Crumb Bars is simple and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can create this delightful dessert that features a buttery crumb crust topped with tangy lemon filling. Remember to explore various serving suggestions like pairing them with coffee or fresh berries for added flavor. These bars are perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to festive celebrations; they will surely impress your guests! Enjoy these treats as they bring sunshine right onto your plate!

Lemon Crumb Bars

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Print Recipe

Lemon Crumb Bars are a mouthwatering dessert that perfectly harmonizes sweet and tart flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. With a buttery crumb crust layered with a zesty lemon filling, these bars deliver a refreshing citrus burst in every bite. Their crumbly topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, ensuring that each piece melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to impress friends and family alike. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 9 bars 1x