Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

 There’s nothing quite like a burst of sunshine on your dessert plate, and that’s exactly what these Lemon Crumb Bars deliver. Picture a buttery, crumbly crust baked to a light golden perfection, topped with a tangy, creamy lemon filling that’s both refreshing and luscious. Finished off with a crunchy, sweet crumb topping that adds texture and charm, these bars are the perfect marriage of tart and sweet, making them a bright, irresistible treat for any occasion or just because you deserve a little zest in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step to creating your perfect Lemon Crumb Bars. Each component is simple but plays a crucial role in bringing out that harmonious balance of flavors and textures—lightly sweet crust, tangy filling, and crumbly topping.

• All-purpose flour (2 ⅓ cups): Provides a tender but sturdy base and crumb texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust.
• Light brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Gives moisture and a subtle caramel hint to the crumbs.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of lift to the crust.
• Unsalted butter (12 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Key to that rich, buttery crumb that holds everything together beautifully.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): Creates a creamy, decadent lemon filling with a velvety texture.
• Egg yolks (4 large, room temperature): Helps thicken the lemon filling while contributing to its silky consistency.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness to the lemon mixture.
• Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Just enough to lift the tartness of the lemon filling.
• Fresh lemon juice (⅔ cup, about 4-5 lemons): The star flavor providing bright, natural citrus zing that makes these bars unforgettable.

How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This step not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to lift out the bars later without any crumbly disasters.

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Then pour in the melted, slightly cooled butter and stir until the mixture holds a crumbly texture. Reserve about one-third of this crumb mixture for the topping while pressing the remaining two-thirds firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the crust turns a lovely light golden color that smells like the start of something delicious.

Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, room temperature egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually pour in the fresh lemon juice while continuously whisking to combine all ingredients into a smooth, luscious filling without lumps. Using fresh lemon juice here is essential — it gives you that bright, zesty flavor that bottled versions just can’t match.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once your crust is out of the oven and still warm, carefully pour the lemon filling over it, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture generously on top to create a perfect little crunchy blanket. Bake the whole pan for 15 to 20 minutes until the crumb topping is golden and the lemon filling is set—not wobbly—giving you the perfect balance of creamy and crumbly.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

After baking, let the Lemon Crumb Bars cool completely on the counter to room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the bars firm up for clean slicing and intensifies the flavors, so every bite melts in your mouth with bright, buttery goodness.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Garnishes

To elevate your Lemon Crumb Bars, consider topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. Fresh lemon zest or thin lemon slices add a burst of color and complement the tartness perfectly. For an extra special touch, a few sprigs of fresh mint provide a cool, aromatic contrast that’s simply charming.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a stand-alone treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy counterpoint. If serving at brunch or a tea party, pair them with a fruity salad or a light herbal tea to balance their richness with fresh, delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your friends, try serving your Lemon Crumb Bars on a wooden board with small bowls of extra lemon curd, fresh berries, or honey drizzle to customize each bite. You can also cut the bars into mini squares or rectangles and serve them on cocktail picks for a fun party finger food option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Crumb Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled ensures the filling stays firm and the crumbs remain crisp, so your bars taste fresh and just as delightful as the day they were made.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars well in advance, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individually cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated Lemon Crumb Bars gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes if you prefer a warm treat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the crumb topping soggy or the filling rubbery. Warming just lightly enhances the flavors without sacrificing texture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lemon juice might work in a pinch, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for Lemon Crumb Bars because it delivers a brighter, fresher, and more vibrant citrus flavor that really makes the filling pop.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk gives these bars their creamy sweetness and smooth texture, so there’s no direct substitute that will yield the exact same result. If needed, you can try making your own by simmering milk and sugar, but for best results, stick with the canned version.

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

Chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices to prevent crumbling. The parchment overhang helps you lift the whole slab out to cut on a flat surface, making it easier to get neat squares every time.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Lemon Crumb Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to pick a blend that contains xanthan gum for best crumb structure.

Is it possible to make the bars vegan?

These Lemon Crumb Bars rely on eggs, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, so making a vegan version would require significant substitutions. You could experiment with vegan butter, flax eggs, and sweetened condensed coconut milk, but expect differences in flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Making Lemon Crumb Bars at home is a joyful adventure that rewards you with a slice of sunshine anytime you need a pick-me-up. With their bright lemon tang, buttery crumb layers, and beautiful balance of textures, these bars are sure to become one of your favorite treats to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you’ve baked and tasted these bars, you’ll be coming back to the recipe again and again.

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