Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe

Lemon Crumb Bars are a perfect dessert for citrus lovers, featuring a buttery crumb crust and a luscious, tangy lemon filling. Topped with a crumbly, golden layer, these bars are the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make and always a hit.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Grater (for zesting)

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumb Topping:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (225 g), cold and cubed
• 1 large egg

For the Lemon Filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 g)
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (120 ml)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (65 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust and Topping:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg and mix until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
5. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.

Make the Lemon Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Gradually whisk in the flour until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Bars:

1. Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust.
2. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling, ensuring an even layer.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
3. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Chill Time: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Variations: Add a touch of vanilla extract or swap out some of the lemon juice for lime juice for a citrus twist.

What to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced tea. They also make a delightful dessert for brunch spreads or summer picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a smaller baking dish?
If using an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, halve the recipe. Baking times may need slight adjustment.

2. How should I store lemon crumb bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

These Lemon Crumb Bars are easy to make, packed with zesty flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of their buttery, tangy goodness!

Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars are a perfect dessert for citrus lovers, featuring a buttery crumb crust and a luscious, tangy lemon filling.

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Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Grater (for zesting)

Ingredients

  

• For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour 375 g
• 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter 225 g, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• For the Lemon Filling:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300 g
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 120 ml
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ cup all-purpose flour 65 g

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Crust and Topping:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the egg and mix until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
• Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.
• Make the Lemon Filling:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the flour until fully incorporated.
• Assemble the Bars:
• Pour the lemon filling evenly over the crust.
• Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the lemon filling, ensuring an even layer.
• Bake:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
• Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
• Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
Chill Time: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.