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
Scale
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.
