Lemon Crumb Bars

Looking for a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent? These Lemon Crumb Bars are exactly what you need! They combine the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon with a buttery, crumbly topping that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). The creamy lemon filling is just the right balance of sweet and tart, nestled between two layers of a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumb crust. Every bite is like a sunshine-filled moment that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Crumb Bars

Here’s why you need to make these bars ASAP:

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The tartness of the lemon filling perfectly balances the sweetness of the buttery crumb topping. It’s a flavor combination that’s refreshing and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together quickly and easily. No complicated steps, just simple, delicious results!
• Crispy and Buttery: The crumb topping adds a wonderful crunch, while the bottom crust keeps everything together in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth way.
• Bright and Refreshing: If you’re a lemon lover, these bars will brighten your day with their zesty, citrusy punch. They’re perfect for spring and summer, but honestly, they’re a treat any time of year.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars keep well in the fridge, making them a great make-ahead option for parties, picnics, or just as an everyday treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these zesty and delicious Lemon Crumb Bars:

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the bars that bright, citrusy flavor we all love.
• Lemon Zest: Don’t forget the zest! It adds an extra punch of lemon flavor and fragrance to the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the crumbly crust and topping.
• Flour: For the crust and crumb topping, flour is the base to hold everything together.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing out the tartness of the lemon.
• Eggs: Helps set the filling and gives it that smooth, custard-like texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides a little lift to the crumb topping, making it light and airy.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the top of the bars, adding a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to baking these delicious bars! Here’s how to make them step by step.

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to make removing the bars easier later.

Prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1/2 cup of softened butter and mix until the dough starts to come together. Press this dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Bake the Crust:

Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. While the crust is baking, you can prepare the lemon filling!

Make the Lemon Filling:

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Add the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and whisk until smooth. The filling should be creamy and well combined.

Add the Lemon Filling:

Once the crust has finished baking, pour the lemon filling over the warm crust, spreading it out evenly.

Add the Crumb Topping:

In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb mixture over the lemon filling, covering it evenly.

Bake the Bars:

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden and the lemon filling is set. The filling should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Cool and Serve:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar and cut into squares. Enjoy the perfect balance of zesty lemon and buttery crumb topping!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve them to make them even more special:

• With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a fresh and colorful touch.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Iced Tea: Pair with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a perfect afternoon snack.
• Garnish with Mint: A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just thaw before serving.
• Lemon Flavor: If you like a stronger lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice to the filling.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and topping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A1: Fresh lemon juice is best for these bars as it gives a bright, fresh flavor. Bottled lemon juice may not have the same depth of flavor.

Q2: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A2: The bars are done when the crumb topping is golden and the filling is set and no longer jiggles. You can also insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.

Q3: Can I make these bars without the crumb topping?
A3: Yes, you can skip the crumb topping for a simpler lemon bar. Just bake the lemon filling on top of the crust for a more traditional lemon bar.

Q4: Can I add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor?
A4: Absolutely! If you love lemon, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two of lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor.

Q5: Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars?
A5: Yes, these bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q6: Can I make these bars without eggs?
A6: You can try substituting the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan version, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q7: Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
A7: You can experiment with other fruits, like lime, orange, or even berries, but keep in mind that the consistency of the filling may change slightly depending on the fruit used.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Check for doneness by looking for golden crumbs and a set filling.

Q9: Can I make these bars in a different-sized pan?
A9: You can use a 9×13-inch pan if you want to make a larger batch. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q10: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A10: You can use margarine, but the bars may not have quite the same rich flavor as they would with butter. It’s best to use unsalted butter for the best results.

Conclusion

Lemon Crumb Bars are the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a buttery crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch. They’re easy to make, absolutely delicious, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a gathering, these bars are sure to impress. So grab your lemons, get baking, and enjoy these zesty, melt-in-your-mouth treats!

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