Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a perfect balance of tart and sweet, featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, creamy lemon filling. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dessert or a citrusy treat to enjoy year-round, these bars are an excellent choice.

With a bright lemon flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they make a great addition to potlucks, bake sales, or afternoon tea. The combination of a rich, shortbread-like crust and a tangy, custard-like lemon filling creates an irresistible dessert that is both simple to make and impressive to serve.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The tartness of fresh lemon juice is complemented by the sweetness of condensed milk.
• Great Texture – A crisp, buttery crust contrasts with a smooth and creamy lemon filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools ready.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan – Provides the ideal thickness for the bars.
• Parchment paper – Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowls – One for the crust and one for the filling.
• Whisk – Ensures the lemon filling is smooth and lump-free.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula – Helps spread the filling and crust evenly.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh lemons – Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Line the pan with parchment paper – This makes it easier to remove the bars after chilling.
• Melt the butter and let it cool slightly – This ensures the crust has the perfect texture.
• Chill before slicing – Refrigerating for at least four hours ensures clean, even cuts.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Lemon Filling

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder.
• Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
• Press ⅔ of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling

• In a separate large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt.
• Gradually whisk in the lemon juice until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the lemon filling over the hot crust.
• Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

5. Cool and Chill

• Let the bars cool completely at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Presentation

Enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Dusting them lightly with powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness that enhances the tart lemon filling.

2. Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

For a richer experience, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the tartness of the lemon and adds a luxurious touch.

3. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that complements the citrus notes. Arrange them on the plate for a colorful presentation.

4. A Drizzle of White Chocolate

Melted white chocolate drizzled over the bars adds a hint of sweetness and a decorative finish. This is especially appealing for special occasions.

5. Lemon Curd or Citrus Glaze

For an extra layer of lemon flavor, serve with a spoonful of lemon curd or a simple citrus glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

6. Coffee or Tea Pairing

The bright, tangy flavor of lemon crumb bars pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. A hot cappuccino, black tea, or herbal chamomile makes an excellent pairing.

7. Yogurt Parfait Style

Crumble a bar into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a citrusy parfait. This is a great way to enjoy the bars for breakfast or a lighter dessert.

8. Holiday or Party Platter Addition

Lemon crumb bars make a wonderful addition to dessert platters at gatherings. Arrange them with other treats like shortbread cookies, brownies, or fruit tarts for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even simple recipes can be improved by avoiding common mistakes. Here are some key tips to ensure your lemon crumb bars turn out perfect every time.

1. Using Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh

Fresh lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat and lack the vibrant citrusy notes needed for this recipe.

2. Skipping the Parchment Paper Lining

Lining the pan with parchment paper allows for easy removal and clean slicing. If skipped, the bars may stick to the pan and break apart.

3. Overmixing the Filling

Whisk the lemon filling until just combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to a filling that is too airy instead of smooth and creamy.

4. Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough

A loosely packed crust can become crumbly and fall apart when slicing. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the crust down firmly.

5. Overbaking the Bars

The bars should be baked until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry, less creamy texture.

6. Slicing the Bars Too Soon

The bars need at least four hours in the refrigerator to firm up. Cutting them too soon can result in messy slices with a filling that doesn’t hold its shape.

7. Using Warm Butter in the Crust

Melted butter should be slightly cooled before mixing with the dry ingredients. If it is too hot, it can create a greasy texture in the crust.

8. Not Storing Properly

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. If left uncovered, they can dry out or absorb other odors from the fridge.

Recipe Tips for the Best Lemon Crumb Bars

1. Use Fresh Lemon Zest for Extra Flavor

Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling enhances the citrus flavor and adds depth to the tartness. It gives the bars a bright, fresh taste.

2. Chill the Bars Before Slicing

Refrigerating the bars for at least four hours ensures clean, even slices. If they are cut too soon, the filling may be too soft and lose its structure.

3. Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting

For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Running the knife under hot water before slicing can help achieve smooth edges.

4. Adjust the Sweetness to Taste

If you prefer a more tart lemon flavor, reduce the sugar in the crust slightly or add a little extra lemon juice to the filling.

5. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains just as delicious with this swap.

6. Add a Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, mix chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the crumb topping before baking. This adds a subtle crunch that complements the creamy filling.

7. Try a Different Citrus Fruit

Lime, orange, or grapefruit can be used instead of lemon for a unique twist. Each citrus variety brings a slightly different flavor profile to the bars.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Lemon Crumb Bars

Refrigerator Storage

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Keep parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Serve chilled or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

Freezing Instructions

• Lemon crumb bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Reheating (If Desired)

These bars are best served chilled, but if you prefer them slightly warm, you can:

• Microwave for 5-10 seconds for a softer texture.
• Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes. These bars are great for making ahead since they need to chill for a few hours. They can be made the day before serving and stored in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use condensed milk substitutes?

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the creamy texture. However, you can try coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan. The crumb topping should be golden brown.

4. Can I use a different size pan?

A 9×9-inch pan works best, but a 9×13-inch pan can be used if you double the recipe. If using an 8×8-inch pan, the bars will be slightly thicker, and baking time may need to be adjusted.

5. Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice can be drizzled over the cooled bars for extra sweetness and decoration.

6. Why did my crust turn out too crumbly?

If the crust is too crumbly, it may not have been pressed firmly enough into the pan. Make sure to pack it down well before baking.

7. Can I use a sugar substitute?

Granulated sugar alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol can be used, but they may slightly alter the texture of the crust.

8. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the egg yolks and condensed milk in the filling, the bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Conclusion

Lemon crumb bars are a delightful combination of a buttery crust, a tangy-sweet lemon filling, and a crumbly topping. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries, they make a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

With the right techniques, proper storage, and a few creative variations, these bars can be customized to suit any preference. They are easy to make, store well, and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are making them for a party or just as a treat for yourself, these lemon crumb bars are sure to be a favorite.