Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful treat – Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars! These bars are a burst of sunshine in every bite, featuring a buttery oatmeal crumble base, a tangy lemon center, and an irresistible crumb topping. The perfect balance of sweet and sour, these bars are sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Reminiscent of sunny days in grandma’s backyard, these Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars hold a special place in my heart. Each batch I whip up brings back memories of laughter and love, just like grandma used to say – the key to the perfect lemon bars is patience. So, let them cool completely for that ideal, luscious texture that will have everyone asking for more.

Whether you enjoy them chilled on a hot summer day or warmed up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a special occasion, these bars are a versatile treat that never disappoints. Feel free to get creative with different citrus flavors, mix-ins, or toppings to make these Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars uniquely yours. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure citrusy bliss!

Quick Benefits

Zesty and Refreshing Flavor: The zingy lemon center combined with the buttery oatmeal crumble provides a perfect sweet-sour balance that awakens your taste buds.
Long-Lasting Freshness: These bars can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy them over an extended period without compromising taste.
Versatile Adaptability: Easily customize the recipe by experimenting with different citrus fruits, adding complementary ingredients like blueberries or almonds, or incorporating warm spices like cardamom or ginger, making it adaptable to different flavor preferences and occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe Recipe

Zesty and Refreshing Flavors: The combination of zingy lemon and sweet oatmeal crumble creates a perfect balance that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Nostalgic and Heartwarming: These bars evoke memories of grandma’s backyard and her baking wisdom, making them not just a treat for the palate but also for the soul.
Versatile and Customizable: Experiment with different citrus fruits, berries, nuts, or spices to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe, making it perfect for personalizing to suit your tastes.
Convenient and Make-Ahead: With a storage life of up to a week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer, these bars are perfect for meal prepping or having a delicious sweet treat on hand whenever cravings strike.
Simple Elegance: Whether served cold on a hot summer day or warmed up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a special occasion, these lemon crumb bars offer a touch of elegance and indulgence to any meal or gathering.

Ingredients for Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Base & Topping Mix

3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick (8 tbsp) cold butter, unsalted
3/4 teaspoon sea salt, split
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/4 cups traditional or quick oats
1 cup plain flour

Tangy Filling

1 (14-ounce) tin sweetened condensed milk
2 big or 3 small lemons (you’ll need the skin and juice)

Pro Tips for Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve the perfect texture and avoid runny lemon bars, make sure to let them cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help them set properly and hold their shape when served.

Pro Tip 2: For optimal freshness, store your lemon crumb bars in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To extend their shelf life, wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture when ready to enjoy.

Pro Tip 3: Get creative with flavor variations by experimenting with different citrus fruits, adding complementary ingredients like blueberries or almonds, or incorporating warm spices for a seasonal twist. This recipe allows for versatility while maintaining the delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with crisscrossed parchment sheets, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides.

Step 2: Create Crumble

Melt butter, then stir in brown sugar, baking powder, salt, oats, and flour. Reserve 1 cup for topping.

Step 3: Set The Foundation

Press the remaining mixture into the lined pan and bake until golden, approximately 12-14 minutes.

Step 4: Mix The Filling

Mix lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, condensed milk, and remaining salt until fully combined.

Step 5: Complete The Bake

Evenly spread filling over warm base, sprinkle with reserved crumble. Bake for 22-24 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 6: Rest And Slice

Allow it to cool completely for about 90 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before cutting into 12 pieces.

Storage Tips

Once you have made these delicious Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. To keep your bars at their best, store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To prevent the bars from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers in the container.

If you want to enjoy your Lemon Crumb Bars beyond a week, you can wrap each bar individually and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. Whether you prefer your bars cold or at room temperature, these treats will taste fantastic either way. For a fancy presentation, dust some powdered sugar on top or add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra special touch. Feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations and add-ins to customize these bars to your liking, such as mixing in lime or orange, incorporating blueberries, or adding crushed almonds for extra texture. This versatile recipe allows for various adaptations while maintaining the perfect sweet and tart balance.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. Make sure it’s a solid option suitable for baking to maintain the crumbly texture of the bars. Additionally, for a healthier twist, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for the butter. Just ensure the coconut oil is solid (not melted) when incorporating it into the recipe.

If you prefer a gluten-free version of these lemon crumb bars, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that can be substituted 1:1 for all-purpose flour to maintain the texture of the bars. You could also experiment with almond flour or oat flour for a nuttier taste. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust the amount of flour as needed until you achieve the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY lemon crumb bar toppings bar at your next gathering. Provide bowls filled with options like powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, blueberries, and crushed almonds. Let your guests customize their lemon bars with their favorite toppings, creating a unique and personalized dessert experience.

To elevate your lemon crumb bars for a special occasion, serve them plated individually with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a few fresh berries on top. The presentation will look elegant and inviting, making each serving a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

FAQs for Delicious Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter in this recipe, but remember to adjust the amount of sea salt accordingly to avoid making the bars too salty.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk with another ingredient?

The sweetened condensed milk in this recipe provides a creamy and sweet component to the lemon filling, so it’s best not to substitute it for other ingredients to maintain the intended texture and flavor of the bars.

How can I prevent the crumb bars from getting soggy?

To prevent the crumb bars from getting soggy, make sure to let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Additionally, store them in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to absorb any excess moisture.

Can I add other mix-ins to the crumble or filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding mix-ins like blueberries, crushed almonds, or even warm spices like cardamom or ginger to customize the flavor and texture of the bars.

Conclusion

Whether you’re reminiscing about old family recipes or creating new traditions, these Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars are sure to brighten up any occasion. The zesty lemon flavor combined with the buttery crumbly texture is a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Remember to take your time and let them cool properly for the best results – your patience will be rewarded with perfectly set bars that hold together beautifully.

Experiment with different variations to make these Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars your own. From adding berries for a burst of freshness to incorporating warm spices for a cozy twist, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of baking up a batch of these irresistible bars. Your taste buds will thank you for treating them to these deliciously Tasty Lemon Crumb Bars!