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If you are someone who loves the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a buttery, crumbly base, this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. These bars combine a crispy oat and flour crust with a luscious, bright lemon filling, all topped with golden, crumbly goodness that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with sunshine through fresh lemon juice and zest, making these bars a wonderful refreshment any time of day. Whether for a family gathering or a quiet moment with your afternoon tea, this recipe offers a delightful experience that’s surprisingly straightforward to make and loved by all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the nutty oats in the crumb base to the tart lemon zest in the filling, each component is essential and works together like a well-orchestrated symphony.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the crust and topping.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture and rustic flavor to the crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon’s brightness.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a slight lift to the crumb topping for lightness.
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps bind the crust and crumbs perfectly.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a caramel depth to the crumbs.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a warm, sweet note.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy, sweet filling that complements the lemon’s tartness.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt): Adds tanginess and helps achieve a smooth filling texture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Thickens the filling and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star of the show, providing that unmistakable fresh citrus zing.
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your bars bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color. Next, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze, and lightly spray it with nonstick spray so your bars lift out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. This combination forms the base and crumb topping, giving you a wonderful balance of soft and chewy textures. Taking the time here to fully combine these ingredients sets the stage for crumbly perfection.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients for the Crumb
In a separate bowl, stir melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. The melted butter ensures the crumbs stick together while baking into a firm base and a crunchy topping that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Combine and Bake the Crust
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix so the texture stays light. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping, then press the rest firmly into your prepared baking pan. Bake this crust layer for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and start becoming golden.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Lemony Filling
While the crust is in the oven, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of vanilla until silky smooth. This filling is where the lemon truly shines, cutting through the sweetness with its lively, tart flavor while staying creamy and delicate.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Pour the luscious lemon filling evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top for that classic crumb bar look and texture. Return the pan to the oven for 17 to 20 minutes, baking until the bars are golden and set. The delightful aroma will hint that your homemade lemon crumb bars are almost ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, it’s important to cool the bars completely before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up properly so each square holds together delightfully, making your homemade lemon crumb bars a neat and tasty treat.
How to Serve Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Fancy a little extra pizazz? Dust your bars with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish or add a few thin lemon slices on top to highlight the fresh citrus flavor. A sprig of mint can offer a lovely contrast in color and fragrance, making these bars truly eye-catching on any dessert plate.
Side Dishes
These lemon crumb bars pair beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream, which balances their bright tartness. For a cozy pairing, serve them alongside a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea to create a lovely afternoon retreat.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these bars on a rustic wooden board or a vintage tray to enhance their homemade, comforting appeal. For parties, cut them into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert stand. You could also plate them alongside fresh berries for a burst of color and additional layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, refrigerate them to maintain their texture and prevent the buttery crumbs from getting too soft.
Freezing
Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe works wonderfully for freezing. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
If you want to warm up your lemon crumb bars, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle reheating refreshes the buttery crust and brings back the inviting aroma without drying out the lemon filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe because it offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled. It really elevates the tanginess in the filling.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the filling?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt works perfectly. Both add the right amount of tang and creaminess to keep the filling smooth and balanced.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well to keep the bars safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
How do I know when the lemon crumb bars are done baking?
The edges and the top crumbs should be a light golden brown, and the filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center. It will firm up more as the bars cool, so avoid overbaking to keep that perfect creamy texture.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Definitely! While lemon is the star here, you can experiment by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for warmth or a bit of lavender for a floral hint. Just keep changes subtle to not overpower the classic lemon flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together bright citrus flavor with a satisfyingly crumbly texture, you really can’t go wrong with this Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, uses simple ingredients, and yields bars that feel like a tender hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how easily these bars can become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery oat crust with a tangy, creamy lemon filling. Perfectly balanced with a golden crumb topping, these bars bake quickly and deliver a refreshing citrus dessert that’s easy to make and share.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick spray for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients for Crust: In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Make Crust and Reserve Topping: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture for the crumb topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until slightly firm and lightly golden.
- Prepare Lemon Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream (or plain yogurt), egg yolk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the lemon filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the filling to create the topping.
- Bake Final Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 17 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the lemon crumb bars to cool completely in the pan to room temperature. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, then slice into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a tangier filling, adjust lemon juice to taste but be careful not to add too much liquid or filling may not set properly.
- Substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a slightly lighter texture and tang.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain clean, firm squares.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor in zest and juice.
