If you’re craving a bright, refreshing dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, this Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is your new go-to treat. With a buttery, crumbly base and topping embracing a luscious, tangy lemon filling, these bars offer an irresistible combination that’s both simple to make and utterly delightful to eat. Whether you’re serving them for a casual afternoon snack or a special gathering, they’re guaranteed to bring sunny flavors and smiles to everyone around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of texture and flavor, from a tender crust to a zesty filling and crumbly topping. Let’s break down why these staples make such a difference!
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust and crumble, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and helps balance the tart lemon.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, essential for that buttery crust and crumb topping.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling together while creating a smooth, custardy texture.
- Juice and zest of 2 large lemons: The star of the show, delivering a bright, fresh zing that defines these bars.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder: Provides just enough lift to keep the crust light and crumbly.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch that adds a bit of festive sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang makes it super easy to lift the bars out once they’re baked and cooled, so don’t skip this trick!
Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture. Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder until you get a crumbly mixture—perfect for pressing into your crust and sprinkling on top later.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Bake this at 350°F for about 15 minutes, just until it starts to turn golden. This helps create a sturdy yet tender base for the luscious lemon filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining sugar. This mixture will become your zingy, silky topping that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly crust.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top, ensuring each bite has that irresistible crumbly texture. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set and the top turns a soft golden hue.
Step 6: Cool and Dust
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—that cooling time is crucial for perfect slicing. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic finish and a touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe, try adding fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves. These bright garnishes not only enhance the presentation but also add an extra layer of freshness that complements the citrus flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist. A cup of hot tea or coffee also makes a fantastic companion, balancing the zesty bars with warm, comforting sips.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform the bars into charming mini desserts by cutting them into bite-sized squares and serving on a decorative platter with edible flowers or lemon zest curls. For a picnic, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper—delicious on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover lemon crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the crust crisp. For longer freshness, refrigeration helps maintain their texture for about a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to two months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. This makes them perfect for advance prep and unexpected guests!
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, simply place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumb topping crisp—oven reheating is the magic touch.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While fresh lemon juice offers the brightest, most authentic flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind it might be less vibrant, so you may want to increase the zest to boost freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture might be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty. Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning.
How do I know when the lemon filling is set?
The filling should be firm to the touch and no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will have a slightly glossy finish and pale golden color once done baking.
Can I make the crumb topping more crunchy?
For an extra crunch, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb topping before baking. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft filling.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is one of those desserts that everyone should have in their baking rotation. From the first tangy bite to the last crumbly morsel, these bars bring sunshine and joy straight to your table. Don’t wait to mix up a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Crumb Bars offer a zesty, buttery treat with a crumbly crust and a bright lemon filling. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or snack, they combine tart lemon juice and zest with a sweet, crumbly topping for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 2 large eggs
- Juice and zest of 2 large lemons
- Additional granulated sugar (use remaining from the 1 cup total sugar used for crust and topping)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crumb Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring until combined into a crumbly mixture.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press two-thirds of the crumbly mixture firmly into the lined baking dish to form an even crust layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Prepare the Lemon Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining granulated sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and combined.
- Add Filling Over Warm Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the lemon filling evenly over it.
- Top with Remaining Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture evenly over the lemon filling.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the lemon filling is set and the crumb topping is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may result in less vibrant taste.
- Be sure to cool the bars completely to ensure clean slices.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
