Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful combination of tangy lemon filling and buttery oat crust, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. These bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a dessert, or simply craving a zesty treat.

Why Make Lemon Crumb Bars

Lemon Crumb Bars offer a burst of citrusy freshness that is both refreshing and satisfying. The crisp oat crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy lemon filling, making these bars irresistible to anyone who tries them. Whether you’re a fan of lemon desserts or looking for a new recipe to impress your friends and family, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients For Lemon Crumb Bars

Oat Crust

Quick-cooking oats
All-purpose flour
Light brown sugar, packed
Baking soda
Baking powder
Unsalted butter, melted

Lemon Filling

Sweetened condensed milk
Large egg yolks
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon zest
Kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

Oat Crust

Prepare oat crust: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour melted butter over the mixture and mix until crumbly. Be careful not to overmix.
Reserve topping: Measure out half of the mixture (about 2 cups) and set it aside for topping later.
Press crust into pan: Pour the remaining mixture into the lined baking dish and press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.

Lemon Filling

Prepare lemon filling: In a large bowl, add sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assembly

Spread lemon mixture: Spread the lemon mixture evenly over the baked oat crust.
Add crumb topping: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the lemon filling.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and serve: Let the bars come to room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Crumb Bars as a delightful dessert or snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day.

Lemon Crumb Bars Storage Info

Store leftover Lemon Crumb Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Tips and Techniques

Be careful not to overmix the oat crust to ensure a crumbly texture.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the lemon filling.
For a variation, try adding a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam between the oat crust and lemon filling for an extra burst of fruity flavor.

FAQs about Lemon Crumb Bars

Q: Can I use store-bought lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed? A: While freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought lemon juice as a substitute if needed.

Q: Can I freeze Lemon Crumb Bars? A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1 month. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to avoid oversalting.

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