Lemon Crumb Bars

These Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and tangy flavors. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth lemon filling, they are ideal for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a citrusy dessert. Their vibrant flavor and easy preparation make them a standout choice for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust:
• For the Lemon Filling:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Make the Crust
• Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling
• Step 4: Assemble and Bake
• Step 5: Cool and Chill
• How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars
• Pair with Fresh Berries
• Serve with Whipped Cream
• Accompany with Ice Cream
• Dust with Powdered Sugar
• Enjoy with Tea or Coffee
• How to Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Lemon Crumb Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Lemon Crumb Bars
• Reheating Lemon Crumb Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Lemon Crumb Bars?
• Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Crumb Bars?
• How do I know when my Lemon Crumb Bars are done baking?
• Can I customize my Lemon Crumb Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy these bars at parties, picnics, or as a tasty afternoon snack with your coffee or tea.
• Citrusy Freshness: The bright flavor of fresh lemons shines through, giving each bite a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these bars are great for sharing with family and friends or saving for yourself!
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help streamline your baking process. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Lemon Crumb Bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A 9×9-inch pan is perfect for even baking and achieving the right texture.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls makes it easy to separate ingredients during the preparation process.
• Whisk: This tool ensures that your lemon filling is well mixed and smooth, crucial for the perfect consistency.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Lemon Crumb Bars, you will need the following 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)

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar (optional)

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How to Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, and baking powder until combined.
2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In another large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
2. Gradually whisk in the fresh lemon juice until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Once your crust is done baking, pour the lemon filling over it while it’s still hot.
2. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
3. Bake again for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let your Lemon Crumb Bars cool completely at room temperature before slicing. Then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon crumb bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with many accompaniments, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness and color, enhancing the overall presentation.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top creates a creamy contrast to the tangy lemon filling, making each bite even more indulgent.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing counterpart, especially on warm days, providing a delightful temperature contrast.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

• A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives your bars an elegant look for serving at gatherings.

Enjoy with Tea or Coffee

• The brightness of lemon crumb bars complements the rich flavors of tea or coffee, making them ideal for afternoon snacks or brunch.

How to Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars

To ensure your lemon crumb bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled juice.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the bars to cool in the fridge for several hours helps set the filling and enhances the texture.
• Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent results and prevents variations in taste and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When preparing the crust and filling, mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary; check for doneness by looking for a golden top and set filling.

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Best Side Dishes for Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon crumb bars can shine even more when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweet and tart flavors of the bars.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh fruit makes for a deliciously creamy side that contrasts beautifully with the crumb bars.
3. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats pair well due to their sweet coconut flavor, adding another layer of taste to your dessert spread.
4. Classic Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy richness that balances out the lemony zing from the bars.
5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The combination of sweet chocolate with tart strawberries enhances the dessert experience while keeping it light.
6. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide a nice textural contrast and can be enjoyed alongside coffee or tea when serving lemon crumb bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making these delicious Lemon Crumb Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and cream. Cold ingredients can prevent the filling from mixing smoothly.
• Not Measuring Properly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar to avoid a dense crust.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Be patient! Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Overbaking can lead to a tough texture instead of the desired creamy filling.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is essential for achieving the right consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• These Lemon Crumb Bars last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Lemon Crumb Bars

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Use an airtight container or freezer bags for storage.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Lemon Crumb Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This keeps them from becoming soggy.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until just warm. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes to warm through gently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Lemon Crumb Bars?

Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a crumbly crust topped with a smooth lemon filling, perfect for those who enjoy citrus flavors.

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Crumb Bars?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch, though it may not taste as vibrant.

How do I know when my Lemon Crumb Bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes after adding the topping.

Can I customize my Lemon Crumb Bars?

Absolutely! You can add different toppings like berries or nuts, or adjust the sweetness by varying sugar levels in both crust and filling.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Crumb Bars are not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. Their balance of tangy and sweet flavors makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or try different citrus fruits for a unique twist. Enjoy making these delightful treats!

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