If you’re looking for a bright, tangy dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate, the Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine a buttery oat crumb crust with a luscious, creamy lemon filling that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. Every bite offers a delightful texture contrast, from the crisp, golden crumble topping to the smooth, zesty lemon custard beneath. It’s an irresistibly fresh and comforting treat that’s as wonderful for casual snack time as it is for impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these lemon crumb bars, you’ll rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s building structure, adding richness, or delivering that unmistakable lemony punch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the crumbly crust.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds chewiness and a wholesome texture to the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps lighten the crumb topping for perfect crispness.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and binds the crust and crumbs together.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Gives warmth and caramel notes to the crumbly crust.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic depth that complements lemon beautifully.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy, sweet lemon filling texture that’s just right.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt): Boosts the tender creaminess of the lemon layer with a slight tang.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps set the filling firmly.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Delivers fresh, vibrant citrus flavor that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma and taste with natural oils.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out easily without sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This first step sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. This combination will give your crumb crust its wonderful texture and flavor foundation. The oats provide heartiness while the baking soda gives just the right amount of lift to keep the crumbs light.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients for the Crust
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and well combined. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness, creating a tender but crisp base that will pair perfectly with the zesty lemon filling.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping. Then, press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake this crust in your preheated oven for 10 minutes to set it before adding the lemon filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth. This filling mixture is rich and creamy with the perfect citrus zing that defines the bar’s flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Pour the luscious lemon filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Then, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top to create a delightful crunchy topping. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden color and the filling is set.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the lemon crumb bars cool completely in the pan. This step is key because it allows the filling to firm up fully, making slicing clean and easy. When cool, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut into 16 squares for serving.
How to Serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that balances the tart lemon flavor. Fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top enhances the visual appeal and intensifies the citrus aroma. For a gourmet touch, serve each bar with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of fresh mint.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a light, refreshing companion. Consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of herbal tea such as chamomile or mint. Their bright lemon flavor also complements fresh berries, which add natural sweetness and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into mini bite-sized squares served on a platter for parties. You can also stack or layer them with other citrus-themed treats for a stunning dessert table display. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with a ribbon makes a charming gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lemon crumb bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps preserve the texture of the filling while the crumb remains crisp. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to bring back their perfect chewiness.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want to warm your lemon crumb bars, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Warming gently revives that crisp crust and makes the filling soft and gooey without melting the delicate topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best bright and natural citrus flavor in the filling. It really elevates the taste compared to bottled juice.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain yogurt as an equal substitute. Both add creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweet condensed milk in the filling.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the lemon filling helps it set and become slightly crisp, preventing sogginess. Also, letting the bars cool completely allows the filling to firm properly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This will give you similar texture while adapting the recipe for gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take for the filling to set?
The filling sets as it bakes during the final 17 to 20 minutes in the oven and continues to firm up as the bars cool completely. Patience is key here for clean slicing and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe a try. It’s such a joyful blend of tart and sweet, crunchy and creamy—an absolute crowd-pleaser that brightens any day with its zingy personality. Once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become a trusted favorite to bake again and again. Happy baking!
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Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade lemon crumb bars combine a buttery oat and flour crust with a tangy, creamy lemon filling, topped with a crunchy crumb layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they make a delightful dessert or snack to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of bars after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda, ensuring an even distribution of all dry components.
- Combine Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and well combined.
- Form Crust and Reserve Crumbs: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and combine thoroughly. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this crust layer for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the lemon filling over the partially baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top. Bake the assembled bars for an additional 17 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the lemon crumb bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure the filling firms up properly. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- For sharper lemon flavor, increase fresh lemon juice by 1 tablespoon.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier filling.
- Ensure bars are completely cool before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
