Lemon Crumb Bars

Name: Lemon Crumb Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Zest from one lemon; 2 large eggs; Juice from two lemons; 1 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

February 23, 2025

Updated:

February 23, 2025

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Have you ever tasted something so light and refreshing that it brightens your day? The delightful combination of buttery crust and zesty lemon filling in these Lemon Crumb Bars brings a burst of sunshine with every bite. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are an irresistible treat you can’t resist.

Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply looking to satisfy your sweet tooth at home, these lemon crumb bars are the answer. They are easy to make and use simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant flavor, they will quickly become a favorite dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Crumb Bars

Refreshing Flavor: The bright citrus notes from fresh lemons create a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather or any time you crave something uplifting.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars without needing advanced baking skills.
Versatile Treat: These lemon crumb bars are ideal for various occasions—serve them at birthday parties, picnics, or even as a delightful afternoon snack with tea.
Make Ahead Option: You can easily prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a ready-to-serve dessert whenever guests arrive.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

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

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base ingredient that gives structure to the crust and crumb topping; use high-quality flour for the best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to both the crust and the lemon filling; feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold unsalted butter for making the crumbly texture of the crust; this will enhance the flavor without adding extra salt.
Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that vibrant flavor; avoid bottled juice for maximum freshness.
Eggs: Large eggs act as a binding agent in the filling; they help set the mixture once baked.

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 and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, flour, and zest in another bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Bake Again

Pour this mixture over your baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your lemon crumb bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature!

Transfer to plates and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

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

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons over bottled juice; it significantly enhances flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating your bars allows them to set perfectly and makes cutting easier.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Mistakes to avoid

Not Using Fresh Lemons: One of the most common mistakes when making Lemon Crumb Bars is using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons. Fresh lemons provide a vibrant flavor and a natural tartness that bottled juice simply cannot replicate. The zest from fresh lemons also enhances the aroma and taste, making your bars more delicious. Always opt for fresh lemons to achieve the best possible flavor profile in your dessert.
Overbaking the Crust: Another mistake is overbaking the crust for your Lemon Crumb Bars. The crust should be golden brown but not too dark. Overbaking can lead to a dry and crumbly texture, which detracts from the overall experience of enjoying these sweet treats. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure your crust remains tender and flavorful.
Skipping the Cooling Time: Patience is key when making Lemon Crumb Bars. A common error is trying to cut into them too soon after baking. If you skip the cooling time, your bars may fall apart or lose their shape when sliced. Allowing them to cool completely helps set the filling and makes it easier to achieve clean cuts. This step ensures that you serve beautiful, well-structured bars.

Ingredients

Lemon Crumb Bars require simple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 cup of all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened

– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar

– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

– Zest from one lemon

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup of powdered sugar for the topping

– Juice from two lemons

Instructions

To make these delightful Lemon Crumb Bars, follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

3. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well blended. Gradually mix in the remaining dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.

5. Pour this lemon filling over the crust in the baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.

6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Crumb Bars are versatile and pair wonderfully with:

Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars with your favorite hot beverage for an afternoon treat.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries to enhance flavor and presentation.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and pairs excellently with the tangy lemon flavor.

FAQs

What are Lemon Crumb Bars?

Lemon Crumb Bars are a delicious dessert made from a buttery crust topped with a tangy lemon filling and a crumbly topping. They are perfect for anyone who enjoys citrus flavors in their sweets. The contrast between the sweet and tart notes makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Can I make Lemon Crumb Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lemon Crumb Bars ahead of time! In fact, they taste even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely.

How should I store Lemon Crumb Bars?

Store Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use different citrus fruits?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on lemons, you can substitute other citrus fruits like limes or oranges for a unique twist on flavor. Adjust the amount of juice according to your taste preferences while ensuring you maintain balance between sweetness and tartness.

Conclusion for Lemon Crumb Bars

In summary, Lemon Crumb Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that brings bright flavors and delightful textures together in one bite. With simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and fresh lemons, you can create this tasty treat at home effortlessly. Whether you’re serving them at gatherings or enjoying them solo with coffee or tea, these bars are sure to impress everyone around you! Don’t forget to try variations using different citrus fruits and enjoy their refreshing taste any time of year!