Lemon Crumb Bars

These lemon crumb bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a smooth, tangy lemon filling, making them the perfect balance of sweet and tart. With a soft yet firm texture and a topping that adds the perfect crunch, they are an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a summer treat, a holiday dessert, or just something to satisfy a citrus craving, these bars will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing Flavor – The natural tartness of fresh lemons contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the filling.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make this a hassle-free dessert.
• Perfect Texture – The combination of a crisp, buttery crust and a creamy filling creates an irresistible bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – These bars taste even better after chilling, making them ideal for prepping in advance.

Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For preparing both the crust and filling.
• Whisk – Helps blend the lemon filling into a smooth, creamy consistency.
• 9×9-inch baking pan – The perfect size for even baking.
• Parchment paper – Ensures easy removal of the bars for clean slicing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
• Citrus juicer – Helps extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.
• Microplane or zester (optional) – For adding a bit of extra lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and acidity of fresh juice.
• Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing it into the crust to ensure even distribution.
• Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.

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Ingredients (Makes 12 Bars)

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)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust

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

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling

• In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, and salt.
• Slowly add the lemon juice, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble & Bake

• Pour the lemon filling over the hot, baked 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 & Chill

• Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

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Notes & Variations

• For a more intense lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• For a crunchier topping, add ½ cup of chopped nuts or rolled oats to the crumb mixture.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

• Dust with Powdered Sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness.
• Top with Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate – Melted white chocolate drizzled over the bars adds a rich contrast.
• Serve with Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream balances the tartness.
• Pair with Ice Cream – Vanilla or lemon ice cream makes a perfect accompaniment for a more indulgent dessert.
• Garnish with Lemon Zest – A bit of zest on top enhances the citrus flavor and adds a fresh look.
• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea – The bars pair well with hot beverages like black tea, herbal tea, or coffee.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter – Arrange them alongside cookies, brownies, and tarts for a varied dessert selection.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lemon crumb bars turn out perfect every time.

Mistakes and Solutions

Using Bottled Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled juice contains preservatives that can affect the taste.

Overbaking the Bars – The bars should be removed from the oven when the filling is just set. Overbaking can make the texture too firm and dry.

Not Allowing the Bars to Cool Completely – Cutting into the bars before they have fully chilled can result in a messy, runny filling. Let them chill for at least four hours before slicing.

Skipping the Parchment Paper Lining – Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out for clean slicing.

Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough – Pressing the crust mixture firmly into the pan ensures a solid base that will hold up when cut.

Not Mixing the Filling Well – Whisk the filling thoroughly to ensure the lemon juice is fully incorporated and the texture is smooth.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Lemon crumb bars can be served alongside a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded dessert experience. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a treat, here are some side dishes that pair well with these bars.

Light and Refreshing Options

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A combination of berries, citrus, and melons enhances the lemon flavor.
2. Greek Yogurt with Honey – The tanginess of yogurt complements the sweetness of the bars.

Beverages to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

3. Iced Tea – A refreshing drink like sweet tea, herbal tea, or chamomile pairs well with the citrusy taste.
4. Fresh Lemonade – A homemade lemonade enhances the lemon theme without overpowering the bars.

Dessert Combinations

5. Vanilla Panna Cotta – A smooth and creamy dessert that contrasts nicely with the bright lemon flavor.
6. Cheesecake – A slice of classic cheesecake adds a rich, creamy element to the dessert spread.

Savory Pairings

7. Grilled Chicken Salad – A light and refreshing salad balances the sweetness of the bars.
8. Goat Cheese and Crackers – The slightly tangy cheese complements the citrus notes of the dessert.

Ways to Serve Lemon Crumb Bars

• With Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds extra sweetness and a decorative touch.
• With Fresh Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the tangy lemon flavor.
• With Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the tartness.
• With Ice Cream – Vanilla or lemon ice cream makes a delicious pairing.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee – The citrusy flavor contrasts nicely with a warm beverage.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter – Serve with brownies, cookies, and fruit for a well-rounded dessert spread.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even though lemon crumb bars are easy to make, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Avoid these issues for the best texture and flavor.

Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Using Bottled Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, while bottled juice often has preservatives that can alter the taste.
Overbaking the Bars – The filling should be just set when removed from the oven. Overbaking can cause it to become too firm.
Not Cooling Before Slicing – Letting the bars chill in the fridge ensures clean slices and prevents a runny filling.
Skipping the Parchment Paper Lining – This makes it much easier to lift and cut the bars without breaking them.
Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough – A well-pressed crust prevents crumbling when slicing.
Using Cold Egg Yolks – Room temperature egg yolks blend more smoothly into the filling.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Lemon crumb bars can be part of a larger meal or served alongside complementary dishes. Here are some great side dish ideas.

Light and Refreshing Options

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of fresh berries, melons, and citrus enhances the lemon flavor.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a balanced pairing.

Beverages to Serve with Lemon Crumb Bars

3. Iced Tea – A cold glass of sweet tea or herbal tea is refreshing.
4. Lemonade – A citrusy drink that enhances the lemon flavor.

Dessert Combinations

5. Vanilla Panna Cotta – A smooth, creamy dessert that balances the tartness.
6. Cheesecake – A rich and creamy contrast to the bright citrus flavor.

Savory Pairings

7. Grilled Chicken Salad – The light, fresh flavors pair well with the tart sweetness of the bars.
8. Goat Cheese and Crackers – A slightly tangy cheese complements the citrus notes.

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Recipe Tips, Storage, and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and handling ensure that your lemon crumb bars stay fresh and delicious.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Let the bars sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Microwave: If you prefer a slightly warm bar, microwave for 5-10 seconds.

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FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is always best for a bright, natural citrus flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and slightly increase the baking time.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from getting too dry?

Make sure to use melted butter and mix it evenly with the dry ingredients to prevent a dry topping.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, even cuts.

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Conclusion

Lemon crumb bars are a delicious, refreshing dessert that combines a buttery crumb crust with a smooth, tangy lemon filling. They are easy to make, great for any occasion, and perfect for preparing in advance. Whether served with a cup of tea, a scoop of ice cream, or as part of a dessert spread, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

By following the step-by-step instructions, avoiding common mistakes, and using fresh ingredients, you’ll achieve the perfect lemon crumb bars every time. Store them properly to enjoy later, and feel free to experiment with toppings and pairings to make them your own.