Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
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Delicious Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and sweet crumb topping is irresistible.
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Versatile: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Old-fashioned rolled oats
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Light brown sugar
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Unsalted butter
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Sweetened condensed milk
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Fresh lemon juice
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Lemon zest
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Egg yolks
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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Prepare Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
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Form Base Layer: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
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Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
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Prepare Lemon Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
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Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
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Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
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Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 bars
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Cooling Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
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Berry Lemon Bars: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries between the crust and lemon filling for a fruity twist.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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Coconut Topping: Mix shredded coconut into the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Serving: These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I ensure the crust doesn’t crumble too much?
Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base. Using the bottom of a measuring cup can help achieve an even layer.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture. Avoid using instant oats, as they can become mushy.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before serving?
Refrigerating helps set the filling, making the bars easier to slice and enhancing their flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking times as needed.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
For a dairy-free option, use a coconut-based condensed milk alternative. Note that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
Yes, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the topping.
Conclusion
Lemon Crumb Bars are a versatile and delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with a sweet, crumbly topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintLemon Crumb Bars
Lemon Crumb Bars are a refreshing dessert with a buttery oat crust, creamy lemon filling, and crumbly topping. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they’re ideal for warm-weather gatherings or a simple treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Press the crust mixture firmly to avoid crumbling.
- Refrigerate thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
